Symmes's theory of concentric spheres : demonstrating that the earth is hollow, habitable within, and widely open about the poles

WlLuih-1

4 M^R^ OMUHUIO^

-.^u.M UBfiARV

UNIVE

^,Y OF pirTSSllRO*"

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Jjarlington jiVl.eiiiorial JLiorary

SYMMES'S THEORY

DEMONSTRATING
THAT THE EARTH IS HOLLOW, HABITABLE WITHIX,

AND

WIDELY OPEN ABOUT THE POLES,

By a Citizen of the United States,

"There are more things in Heaven and EARTH, Horatio,

•' Than are dreamt of in your philosophy !" SHAKSPEARE.

" If this man be erroneous, who appears to be so sanguine and persevering in hii
opinions, what withholds us but our sloh. our self-will, and distrust in the right
cause, ihat we do not give him gentle mee irgs and a gentle dismission ; ihat we
debate not and examii;e the matter thoroughly, with liberal and frt-quent audience;
if not for his sake, yet for our own ? seeing hat no man who hath tasted learning',
but will confess he many ways of profiting by those, who, not content with stale
receipts, are able to manage and set forth new positions to the world. And were
they but as tlie dust and ci > deis of our feet, so long as in that notion, they may yet
serve to polish and brighten the armory of truth; even for Ihatrespnct they are
not utterly to be cast away," MILTON.

CINCINNATI:

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BX MOHtJAN, LOOSE AND FISHEB,

1826.

DISTRICT OF OHIO, TO WIT.

Be it remembered, that on the fourth day of April,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty six and in the fiftieth year of the American inde-
pendence, Messrs. Morgan, Lodge and Fisher, of said
District, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book,
the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words
and figures following, to wit:

" Syrames's theory of concentric spheres; demonstrating
<•' that the earth is hollow, habitable within, and widely
" open about the poles: by a citizen of the United States.
" There are more things in Heaven and Earth Horatio, than
" are dreamt of in your philosophy" Shakespeare, " If
" this man be erroneous who appears to be so sanguine and
" persevering in his opinions, what withholds us but our
" sloth, our self will, and distrust in the right cause, that we
" do not give him gentle meetings and a gentle dismission;
^' that we debate not and examine the matter thoroughly,
"■ with liberal and frequent audience: if not for his sake,
" vet for our own ; seeing that no man who has tasted learn-
*•' ing but will confess the many ways of profiting by those,
" who, not content with stale receipts, are able to manage
" and set forth new positions to the world. And were they
" but as the dust and cinders of our feet, so long as in that
^' notion, they may yet serve to polish and brighten the
"armory of truth: even for that respect, they are not
" utterly to be cast away." Milton,"

In conformity to the act of Congress of the United
States, entitled " An act for the encouragement of learning
by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the
proprietors of such copies during the times therein men-
tioned;"' and also of the act entitled "An act supple-
mentary to an act entitled an act for the encourage-
ment of learning by securing the copies of Maps,
Charts and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such
copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending
the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and
etching historical and other prints."

Attest, WILLIAM KEY BOND, Clekk.

r

ADVERTISEMENT.

^, The writer of the following work is said

to be a resident of the Miami country. After

reading Captain Symmes's numbers, and

hearing some of his lectures, he wrote the

work, it seems, in the first place without the

idea of publication ; but afterwards corrected

and enlarged it, and left it with a friend of

Captain Symmes for publication, sometime

> Ui the autumn of the year 1824. The nett

} profits were then, as now, to be paid to Cap-

■" tain Symmes, towards enabling him to pro-

;.mote and establish his principles: but owing

*' to the absence of the author, and other cir-

tjumstances, it has remained unpublished till

^now.

2 The author has chosen to present the work

^anonymously; and has obtained the promise

'of Captain Symmes to forbear criticising it

, in manuscript, — reserving any remarks or

-^corrections, he may wish to make, for future

publication. Some errors of the press will

doubtless be discovered; as (in the absence

.■rpi both Compiler and Theorist) there was

'f^o proof-reader at hand, sufficiently versed in

othe New Theory, at all times, to detect them.

^ THE PUBLISHERS.

Cincinnati, April, \ZZQ.

sro tilt ^uuit*

THE following little treatise, was written
in the autumn of the year eighteen hundred
and twenty-four; when from the urgency of
my common avocation, and from a desire to
remain incognito, the manuscript was placed
in the hands of a friend of Captain Symmes
for publication. As it was not my intention
to seek a publisher, or make advances to
faciliate its progress, I left the country for a
considerable length of time, without paying
any further attention to the subject. Various
difficulties intervening, delayed the publica-
tion, until subsequent events, have destroyed
my chief inducement ; which was, that these
speculations, compiled from a cursory ex-
amination of facts, should go forth as a har-
binger, merely, and not ''^follow in the wake,^"*
of public investigation.

THE AUTHOR.

March, 182:6.

THE author of the following pages does not write be-
cause he is a learned man; he is conscious of the reverse;
and that his merits give him no claim to that appellation;
neither does he make this attempt because he is well ac-
quainted with either the new, or the old theories of the
earth; but, from having observed that the Theory of Con-
centric Spheres has been before the world for six or seven
years, without attracting the attention of the scientific,
except in _^a very few instances; — few besides the author
himself having come forward to advocate its correctness.
The newspaper scribblers, who have noticed the theory
at all, have almost uniformly appeared to consider it as
a fit subject on which to indulge their wit, the sallies of
which, clothed in all the humour and satire their fancies
could suggest, have in some degree had a tendency to
throw around it an air of levity very unfavourable to se-
rious investigation. But to deal in sarcasm is not always
reasoning; and the truth is not to be ascertained by in
dulging in ridicule.

Considerations of this nature, first induced the author to
devote a short time to the task of investigating a subject,
to which he had paid but little attention, and to give the
several papers, published by Captain Symmes, a cursory-
examination; in the course of which, he noted such of
Symmes's principles and proofs as attracted his atten-
tion, as they occurred; and has since presumed to ar-
range them in such order as his own fancy suggested;
supposing that, as they had struck forcibly on his mind,
they might perhaps attract the attention of some other
person, whose habits of thinking may be similar to his
A2

Vr. PREFACE.

own. He has in a few instances inserted, in addition to
those which he has seen advanced by Captain Symmes,
such reasons and proofs in support of the theory as oc-
curred to him at the time. However, he has no claim to
originality; as he has made a liberal use of the publica-
tions of Captain Symmes, as well as the remarks made on
them by others, which came in his way.

The reader will not look lor a complete analysis of the
theory in this short treatise; it is not intended as such by
the author, his object being merely to attract the atten-
tion of the learned, who are in the habit of indulging in
more abstruse researches into the operation and eflfect of
natural causes; and should it be found to merit the atten.
tion of such, it is hoped their enquiries may be so directed
as to accelerate the march of scientific improvement, en-
large the field of philosophic speculation, and open to the
world new objects of ambition and enterprise.

Should he therefore be fortunate enough to make any
observations, or indulge in any reflections, in the course of
the following chapters, that may merit the attention of
the reader, he hopes they may in some degree atone
for the many defects which will doubtless be discovered;
with a sincere wish, that gentlemen of literature and sci-
ence, who have made deeper researches than he pretends
to, will have the goodness to correct them.

The author does not write for Fame: as anonymous
compilers (and it is the author^'s wish to be considered in
no other light) can never expect their true names to be
inscribed on her records: neither do pecuniary consider-
ations influence him, as he expects to reap no profit from
the publication.

Should it attract public curiosity to such a degree, as to
induce the sale of more copies than will be sufficient to
meet the expense of printing, it is the author's desire, and

PREFACE. VII.

he does hereby direct, and fully authorize the publishers,
to pay over the nett profits to Captain Symmes, for the
purpose of enabling him further to prosecute his studies;
and to aid him in the accomplishment of his designs.

Whether Captain Symmes has hit upon an important
truth in the economy of nature, as respects the organiza-
tion of matter, it is not for the author to determine; to the
more scientific we must look for a solution of the problem;
to them it is submitted. The following pages are pre-
sented with no other intention, than as a hint to elicit the
attention of others, who are qualified to investigate, and
improve the subject. Should they, on examination, con-
sider the matter worthy of their investigation, it will
doubtless receive the attention which its importance so
greatly demands. If it be erroneous, it is hoped they
will detect, and expose its fallacy to the world; giving at
the same time rational and satisfactory explanations of the
many facts, and appearances which Captain Symmes ad.
duces as proofs of his positions.

August, A. D. 1824.

TO

Sir-
to you I would apologize for the liberties I have
taken with your Theory, and your publications in relation
to it, which have made their appearance in the newspa-
pers of the day. When I commenced this compilation,
in support of your doctrine of Concentric Spheres, [ had
no view to its publication. 1 had collected all the papers
on the subject, upon which I could lay my hands, with
the intention of investigating the Theory for my own sat-
isfaction: but the scattered and irregular ordpr in which
I found them, and in which they must necessarily appear
in detached Newspaper essays, published at different and
distant times, induced me to attempt araethodical airange-
ment, for the purpose of facilitating my own enquiries.
When I had completed this, the same reasons, added to
the consideration, that you have not only invited, but so-
licited the investigation of your theory, declaring it " as
free as air,'' to every person, to make such use of it as he
may think proper, influenced me to conclude on publishing
the result of my investigations. Having come to this de-
termination, i have added a Preface, an Introductory chap-
ter, and a few things in conclusion, to make it look more
like a Book.

As I have not seen all your publications in the newspa-
pers, if I have not fully understood, or if I have misrep-

APOLOGY. IX.

resented yoi>r theory in any particular, I assure you it has
been done unintentionally — it has arisen entirely from mv
want of adequate information j and 1 hope you will, in the
spirit of candour 9nd good nature, pardon and correct any
errors into which I may have fallen. Had an opportunity
offered, and could I have done it with propriety, 1 should
certainly have submitted the manuscript to your revis-
ion, previous to its publication. However, as this sketch
is only intended to elicit further investigation, and can only
live until a formal and systematic treatise shall appear
from your pen, I hope you will permit it to pass as the
Pioneer to a more complete demonstration of your Theory
of Concentric Spheres,

I AM Sir,
One of the believers in that Theory,-^

THE AUTHOR.
1824.

(9®17^M'^S<

CHAPTER I.

Containing an introductory glance at some of the differ-
ent Theories and Opinions which have been embraced
respecting the formation of the Earth, and the reception
which those Theories met with from the world when first
promulgated .

CHAPTER II.

Symmes's Theory; comprehending his description of
the form of the earth, and of the other orbs in the Uni-
verse; his principles of gravity, and the points wherein
he differs from the old or generally received theories.

CHAPTER III.

Symmes's Theory supported by arguments drawn from
the principles inherent in matter, and the consequences
resulting from motion ; tending to show that, from neces-
sity, matter must form itself into concentric circles or
spheres, such as Symmes describes the earth to be com-
posed ol.

CHAPTER IV.

Arguments in support of Symmes's Theory, drawn from
Celestial appearances.

CHAPTER V.

The Theory of Concentric Spheres, supported by ar-
guments drawn from Terrestrial facts; such as the mi-
gratioD of animals to and from the arctic regions, and

CONTENTS. XI.

from refraction, and the variation of the compass, observed
in high northern latitudes.

CHAPTER VI.

Facts tending to illustrate and prove the existence of a
mid plane spaoe, situated between the concave and convex
surfaces of the sphere.

CHAPTER VII.

Several objections, made to the Theory of Concentric
Spheres, answered, particularly the one that it contra-
venes religious opinions; demonstrating that the earth, and
the other orbs of the universe, are formed on the best pos.
sible plan for the maintenance and support of organic life.

CHAPTER VIII.
General observations on the Theory of Concentric
Spheres, with a few suggestions to the Congress of the
United States, to authorize and fit out an Expedition for
the discovery of the In'erior Pegions; or, at least, to ex-
plore the northern parts of the continent of America.

CHAPTER IX.

A few brief suggestions, relative to the description, ton-
nage, and number of vessels, necessarj to be equipped for
a voyage of discovery to the interior regions of the earth;
the number of men necessary to be employed on board,
articles necessary for the outfit, and the probable expense
attending the same ; also, as to the route most proper to be
pursued to accomplish the object of the expedition,

CHAPTER X.

A short Biographical sketch of Captain Symmes; with
some observations on the ti eatment which he has met with
in the advancement of his theory.

THE THEORY

OP

COKCSNTILIC SPBZSHES

CHAPTER I.

Containing an introductory glance at some of the different
Theories and Opinions -jL^hich have been advanced respecting
ike formation of the Earth, and the reception which those
Theories met tsoithfrom the world when frst promulgated.

IT often happens, that those who have
been early taught to believe a certain set of
principles and doctrines as true, whether in
philosophy, religion, or politics, adhere to
them with the utmost pertinacity during the
remainder of their lives. Any new theory,
or principle, is resisted with peculiar energy;
and, however inconsistent or untrue their
favorite systems may be, they are disposed
to make principles and facts bend to themj
and would sooner call in question the gene-
ral and immutable laws of nature, than the
correctness of their own opinions. Perhaps
this pertinacious adherence to prevalent and
B

14 THE THEORY

received opinions has retarded the progress
of philosophic improvement more than the
want of bold, original, and enquiring genius.
In former times those who cultivated sci-
ence,or rather those who were called learned,
generally based their philosophy on the doc-
trines of Aristotle; which, as they had been
taught to reverence them from their infancy,
had become almost interwoven with their
constitutions. Hence, though time has un-
folded to us their errors, during several cen-
turies, suspicion never hinted their fallibility.
The doctrine of the revolutions of the earth,
and other planets; of gravitation, magnetism,
and other properties now known to belong to
matter; have each in their turn met with a
strong opposition from the most learned men
living at the time of their discovery. But,
notwithstanding this opposition, in all ages,
a few bold, enquiring minds have had the
firmness to dissent from the established doc-
trines of the schoolmen, and to lay the foun-
dation of new systems, the correctness of
which subsequent improvements in science
have more or less demonstrated to the world.
Although nearly six thousand years have
elapsed since man has been placed upon the
earth, he yet knows but little of its formation.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 15

Notwithstanding all our enterprise, all our
boasted acquirements, and discoveries, its
true form yet remains uncertain land although
admitted that it is not quite eight thousand
miles in diameter, we still have never ex-
plored its extent. A space of nearly forty
degrees of latitude remains as little known to
us, as if it were a part of the surface of Sat-
urn, or an orb revolving round a star of the
eighth magnitude. We know nothing of the
inhabitants of those regions, or what kind of
animate beings exist in them.

It was a prevailing opinion among the an-
cients, the correctness of which they for ages
never called in question, that the temperate
zones of our globe were alone habitable.—
The torrid zone they imagined was composed
of nothing but sandy deserts, scorched up by
the vertical and insupportable beams of a
burning sun. The frigid zones, they believed
were begirt with eternal snows, and "thick
ribbed ice," which rendered them inaccessible
to man, and incapable of supporting animal
or vegetable life. Hence none ventured to
approach them.

Subsequent discoveries have, however,
taught us the errors of the ancients. We
now know that, the torrid zone teems with

16 THE THEORY

organic life; and possesses, in many parts, a
population more dense than the temperate,
and is equally well adapted to its support:
nay, we even find the temperature of that
region to be such that it contains mountains
capped with perpetual snows, which the
beams of a July sun do not dissolve. It has
also been ascertained that the frigid zones
are partially inhabited: but it seems that a
certain timid dread, perhaps in part attributa-
ble to the prejudices imbibed from our ances-
tors, has prevented our exploring the extent of
those regions. However, as far as civilized
man has yet ventured to penetrate towards
the poles, we find that plants growy flowers
bloom, and human beings make a permanent
residence ; nay, even the untutored savages
who reside there tell us that other human
beings reside yet further to the north; and
animals are known to migrate in that direc-
tion. Reasoning then from analogy, and from
what we know, we have no ground to con-
clude that such a vast extent of surface has
been created by an all-wise Providence for
no other purpose, than to be eternally clothed
with mountains of ice. Such a conclusion
comports not with the general economy we
do know to exist throughout Jiis works.

OP CONCENtRiC SPHERES. it

We are constrained to acknowledge, not-
withstanding our improvements in science,
that, comparatively, we know but little of the
economy of nature. Within a few years past,
almost an entire revolution has taken place
in the world respecting the philosophy of light
and heat — a change which affects the theory
both of their nature, and of their causes: —
They are now believed to be two distinct
things, and that the sun communicates nei-
ther, but merely gives activity, in some man-
ner not yet known, to the principles, or matter,
of light and heat with which our elements
abound. If this be the case, as I believe is
now admitted by the learned world, we can-
not undertake to say, that the intensity or the
absence of either, is necessarily dependant
alone on the altitude of the sun, under any
particular latitude ; or on our nearness to, or
remoteness from, the centre of the system: —
For aught we know, both may be connected
with arrangements that require but few of
the sun's rays to make them answer the pur-
poses of organic life. For aught we can tell,
the planet Georgium Sidus, which rolls eigh-
teen hundred millions of miles distant from
the orb of day, may, nevertheless, be favoured
with as brilliant light, and as genial warmth
b2

18 THE THEORY

as our little globe; and for aught we know
the interior of this planet, in the concavity of
the spheres, under the equator, may enjoy the
same light and heat that fructify and bless
the equatorial climes on the convex surface.
During a period of several thousand years
the ancients were of opinion that the earth
was a perfect plane, at rest, and supported
below by an unknown something; that it was
bounded on all sides by an impassable bar-
rier, and covered with the blue canopy of
heaven, in which the sun, moon, and stars
performed their diurnal revolutions for the
sole use and service of a few frail mortals.
They believed that the sun, every morn-
ing rose out of the Eastern sea ; and in the eve-
ning plunged into the Western ocean; that
the stars were lighted up in the evening by
some kind deity, and extinguished before the
appearance of the sun. For ages none douM-
ed the correctness of such a theory. At
length, however, from an attentive examina-
tion of the regular appearances and revolu-
tions of the heavenly bodies, some of the
Babylonians adopted the opinion that the
earth was spherical; revolving at regular
periods round the sun, as the centre of the
universe. In this they were followed by

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 19

Pythagoras and others. But those efforts of
genius, for the most part, met no other reward
than the execrations of the exasperated mul-
titude. Such innovations were deemed an
impious crime against the gods, and could
only be atoned for by the sacrifice of their
lives. In those times the people of every
nation, like the untutored Indian of our North
Western wilderness at this day, considered
their own country to be situated in the centre
of the world, and they, the most favoured
people. Even in later times, when the sys-
tem of the Babylonians, and that of Pythago-
ras, were revived by Copernicus ; and, when
new discoveries respecting the form and
revolutions of the earth, and other parts of
the universe, were made by Galileo, not more
than two hundred years since, we find an
ignorant and bigoted world alarmed at such
opinions. We find Galileo, that incompara-
ble philosopher, cited before the court of
Inquisition, accused of heresy, and thrown
into prison. The charge of heresy against
him was supported by alleging that he main-
tained the two following positions, viz.

1. " That the sun is the centre of the world,
and immoveable by a local motion ;" and

20 THE THEORY

2. " That the earth is not the centre of the
world, nor immoveable, but that it moves
with a diurnal motion."

These positions he was not permitted to
maintain or defend, but was ordered to re-
nounce them; and was prohibited from vindi-
cating them either in conversation or writing.
However strange and impious these doctrines
appeared at that time, subsequent ages have
confirmed their correctness.

When Columbus advanced the theory of a
western continent, he was ridiculed, persecu-
ted, and contemned, by nearly all the literati
of Europe. It was an idea which had never
before entered their minds. But, notwith-
standing all their opposition and ridicule, the
correctness of his " visionary theory," as they
were pleased to call it, was demonstrated by
the actual discovery of this vast continent,
which is now sustaining millions of the very
happiest of the human race.

Many of the important discoveries of the
immortal Newton, at the time they were first
promulgated to the world, were denounced as
the splendid visions of a madman ; but, subse-
quent ages have done him justice.

Much as we may feel ourselves elated on
account of the new lights which have since

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 21

been shed upon us, by the further progress
and developement of science; yet, when I
reflect on the unkind treatment which Cap-
tain Symmes and his new theory have re-
ceived in our own day, I cannot help fearing
that we are still, in some degree, under the
influence of the same feeling^and prejudices
which brought the earlier philosophers to the
torture, and the prison. This theory differs
much less from the one now commonly re-
ceived, than the doctrines of those philoso-
phers differed from the prejudices of the mul-
titude, in an age when every one believed
the earth to be as flat as a table ; and, conse-
quently, it is but a small innovation in com-
parison to what the theory of Pythagoras and
Copernicus must have appeared to be in their
day ; yet Captain Symmes has been constant-
ly, and almost every where, represented as a
visionary and dangerous innovator, and his
alleged discovery ridiculed as the silly dream
of a deranged imagination.

But let us not turn our backs and give a
deaf ear to him, or to the discoveries of any
other man, merely because they are new?
and in contravention of our previously re-
ceived impressions. True it is^ novelty is
frequently dangerous and hurtful: but on the

22 THE THEORY

Other hand, it is often necessary and useful.
Without it we should still remain destitute of
many of the greatest advantages we enjoy.
Without the advancement of new principles,
and speculative ideas, neither ourselves, nor
any other people, could ever have emerged
from a state of savage barbarity. Without
it, what purpose could our reason serve,
which, under proper regulations, and by a
gradual progress, is capable of contributing
so largely to the general good of society?

Were it my opinion that Symmes's Theory
is one of the wildest and most ridiculous that
ever entered into the brain of man, 1 would
not refuse to hear him ; nor by malevolent or
satirical disapprobation, attempt to discour-
age him, before I had examined aud reflected
upon itc By the examination of many specu-
lative subjects, abounding with falsehood,
we are frequently enabled to treasure up some
truths. Some of the first and most important
discoveries in chemistry, owe their origin to
the midnight vigils of the alchymists, who
vainly sought for the philosopher's stone: and
many valuable combinations in the science
of mechanics have been discovered by those
who wasted years in as vain a pursuit, after
a perpetual motion.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 23

I believe there are but few theories, which
do not contain much that is profitable. The
man who has the ingenuity to advance new
ones, will be likely, in the course of reason-
ing necessary to support them, to say some-
thing that is useful to be known. In his
very reveries and wanderings, he will often
point out land-marks, which may be useful
to the future traveller. Whether then is it
belter to crouch under the tyranny of preju-
dice, or employ our thoughts and reasoning
powers in the search of truth, though at the
risk of deceiving ourselves, as our predeces-
sors have done? Had it not been for a pru-
dent boldness in advancing and defending
new doctrines, the human mind must have
remained to this day, the sport of all the
chimeras of the ancients.

The exact shape and formation of the
earth are admitted not to be well understood.
The laws of gravity, and the admeasure-
ments which have been made in different
places on the same meridian, have demon-
strated to us, that the greatest mathemati-
cians have mistaken its real figurCp Various
theories have at different times been pub-
lished and refuted, and others substituted in
their stead. Yet still a shade of darkness

24 THE THEORY

and mystery appears to hang over the sub-
ject; for many principles, attractions, and
apparent variations from the established laws
believed to exist in the economy of nature,
have been discovered, particularly in the
polar regions, which remain unexplained and
unaccounted for. Let us, therefore, examine
and investigate any theory which proposes
to explain them. Let us not be so tenacious
of our own opinions, and hereditary prejudi-
ces, as to stop at the very point where every
thing invites us to proceed. Let us rather
push our researches after knowledge to the
utmost, and exercise our reason, and every
means in our ptower that may tend to the
advancement of science and knowledge. In
the pursuit, let us not be retarded by the cry
of prejudice, or the sarcastic whispers of the
narrow minded, and selfish.

Let us, therefore give Captain Syrames a
"gentle meeting," and a candid hearing, in
the following short chapters; ascertain what
his theory is, and on what principles he sup-
ports it ; and then adopt or reject it, as our
reason may dictate.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 25.

CHAPTER II,

Symmes''s Theory; comprehending his description of the form
of the earth, and of the other orbs in the Universe; his
principles of gravity, and the points ischerein he differs
from the old or generally received theories,

ACCORDING to Symmes's Theory, the
earth, as well as all the celestial orbicular
bodies existing in the universe, visible and
invisible, which partake in any degree of a
planetary nature, from the greatest to the
smallest, from the sun, down to the most mi-
nute blazing meteor or falling star, are all
constituted in a greater or less degree, of a
collection of spheres, more or less solid, con-
centric with each other, and more or less open
at their poles; each sphere being separated
from its adjoining compeers by space replete
with aerial fluids; that every portion of
infinite space, except what is occupied by
spheres, is filled with an aerial elastic fluid,
more subtile than common atmospheric air;
and constituted of innumerable small concen-
tric spheres, too minute to be visible to the
organ of sight assisted by the most perfect
microscope, and so elastic that they continu-
ally press on each other, and change their
C

26 THE THEORY

relative situations as often as the position of
any piece of matter in space may change its
position: thus causing a universal pressure,
which is weakened by the intervention of oth-
er bodies in proportion to the subtended an-
gle of distance and dimension; necessarily
causing the body to move towards the points
of decreased pressure.

It is a sound principle of philosophy, that
the particles of the common air of our atmos-
phere are of a repellant quality, and mutual-
ly repulse each other. The whole system of
pneumatics goes to prove that air presses
equally in all directions. Not a single ex-
periment in this branch of natural science
can be performed that does not depend on
such a property. This being the case, if the
boundless extent of the universe, beyond the
limits of our atmosphere, be an entire vacu-
um, why should the atmosphere be retained
in its present circumscribed form, and not ex-
pand, by virtue of its repellant quality, far
beyond its known height? To prevent this,
, Symmes believes universal space to be filled
#with an elastic fluid, inconceivably rare, and
uniformly distributed throughout; differing
from common air, and from the elastic fluids
(which also are known to be repellant) ex-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES; 2t

isting in our atmosphere. This tendency is
what Symmes believes should be understood
by the term gravity; the laws of action gov-
erning which he holds to be true, as defined
by Newton: and he moreover holds that the
application of the laws of gravity, as laid
down by Newton, leads a reasoning mind to
the belief of concentric spheres, with open
poles, as all planetary bodies are in his opin-
ion formed.

In regard to the effects of gravity, he pre-
tends not to differ from the generally received
opinion of the age ; but the application of them,
as to the inner parts of insulated bodies, has
enabled him to improve in a knowledge of the
formation of planets; and finally led him to
form a correct idea of what constitutes gravity.

The author of the new theory entertains a
belief that the principles of planetary orbicu-
lar forms, developed by him, extend as well
to the molecules of the most subtile fluids, as
to the innumerable stars or suns of the uni-
verse, and all their planetary trains: he con-
tends that though he may not have discover-
ed any new principles in physics, yet that he
has made interesting advances in a knowl-
edge of the application of what was hereto-
fore known.

2B THE THEORY

According to him, the planet which has
been designated the Earth, is composed of at
least five hollow concentric spheres, with
spaces between each, an atmosphere sur-
rounding each ; and habitable as well upon
the concave as the convex surface. Each of
these spheres are widely open at their poles.
The north polar opening of the sphere we in-
habit, is believed to be about four thousand
miles in diameter, and the southern above
six thousand.* The planes of these polar
openings are inclined to the plane of the eclip-
tic at an angle of about twenty degrees; so
that the real axis of the earth, being perpen-
dicular to the plane of the equator, will form
an angle of twelve degrees with a line passing
through the sphere at right angles with the
plane of the polar openings; consequently
the verg-e of the polar openings must approach
several degrees nearer to the equator on one
side than on the other. The highest north
point, or where the distance is greatest from
the equator to the verge of the opening in the
northern hemisphere, will be found either in
the northern sea, near the coast of Lapland,
on a meridian passing through Spitsbergen, in
about latitude sixty-eight degrees, or some-
what more eastwardly in Lapland; and the

* National Intelligencer pf June 10th, 1824.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 29

verge would become apparent, to the naviga-
tor proceeding north, in about latitude ninety-
degrees.

The lowermost point, or the place where
the distance is least from the equator to the
verge of the northern polar opening, will be
found in the Pacific ocean, about latitude fifty
degrees, near the north-west coast of America,
on or near a meridian running through the
mouth of Cook's river, being in about one
hundred and sixty degrees west longitude,
the real verge being in about latitude fifty
degrees and becoming apparent to a person
travelling northward at right angles with the
magnetic equator, at the distance of about
twelve hundred miles further. The verge
varies progressively from the lowest to the
highest point, crossing the north-west coast
of America between latitude fifty-two and fif-
ty-four, thence across the continent of North
America, passing through Hudson's Bay and
Greenland, near cape Farewell; thence by
mount Hecla to the highest point; thence
tending gradually more to the south, across
the northern parts of Asia, at or near the vol-
canoes of Kamtschatka, and along the extin-
guished volcanoes of the 'Fox Islands, to the
lowermost point again, near the northwest
coast

C2

30 THE THEORY

In the southern hemisphere, the highest
point, or place where the distance is greatest j
from the equator to the verge of the polar \
opening, will be found in the southern Pacific ^
ocean, in about latitude forty-six degrees
south, and perhaps about longitude one hun- .
dred and thirty degrees west; and the lower-
most point, or place where the distance is
least from the equator to the verge of the
opening, will be found on a meridian south or
south-east of the island of Madagascar, in
about latitude thirty-four degrees south, and
longitude about fifty degrees east; thence
passing near the cape of Good Hope, across
the Atlantic ocean, and southern part of the t
continent of America, through a chain of ac-
tive volcanoes, to the highest point; thence j
bearing regularly toward the lowest point,
passing between the two islands of New-
Zaalaji'd, or across the most southerly one,
and the northernmost part of Van Dieman's
land, to the lowest point, which is south or
south-east of Madagascar; the apparent
verge being several hundred miles beyond
the real verge.* Consequently, according to

* A tolerably correct representation of the sphere might
be made by taking a hollow terrestrial globe, such as are
used in «olleges5 and insert a saw at north latitude sixty-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 31

this formation of the sphere, the degrees of
latitude, on different meridians, will vary-
according to their distance from the polar
openings; and the magnetical equator, which
encircles the sphere, parallel to the plane of
the polar openings, would cut the real etjua-
tor at an angle of twelve degrees. A person
standing on the highest part of the apparent
verge would appear to be under the polar
star, or nearly so, and at the ninetieth degree
of latitude. The meridians all converge
to the highest point of the verge, or the
ninetieth degree; consequently, in tracing a
meridian of longitude, you would pursue a
direction at right angles to the equator, until
you arrived in the neighbourhood of the real

eight degrees in Lapland, sawing obliquely through, so
aa to come out at latitude fifty degrees in the Pacific
ocean. The aperture thus produced, will show the gene-
ral dimensions and slope of the north polar opening. And
in the southern hemisphere, commencing with the saw
at south latitude thirty four degrees, in longitude between
fifty and fifty-five degrees east, in the Indian ocean, and
sawing obliquely through, in the same manner, so as to
come out at south latitude forty-six degrees, and longitude
one hundred and thirty degrees west, in the South Pacific
ocean, you will represent the appearance of the south
polar opening; and the whole will exhibit a general re-
presentation of the sphere, according to the new theory.

32 THE THEORY

verge of the polar opening, when the meri-
dians would change their direction and turn
along between the real and apparent verges
towards the highest point, until they all ter-
minated at the ninetieth degree of latitude ;
this being the direction a person would travel
in order to have his back to the sun always
at 12 o'clock, the time of his greatest alti-
tude. Although the particular location of
the places where the verges of the polar
openings are believed to exist, may not have
been ascertained with absolute certainty, yet
they are believed to be nearly correct; their
localities having been ascertained from ap-
pearances that exist in those regions; such
as a belt or zone surrounding the globe
where trees and other vegetation (except
moss) do not grow; the tides of the ocean
flowing in different directions, and appearing
to meet; the existence of volcanoes; the
^^ ground swells''^ in the sea being more fre-
quent; the Aurora Borealis appearing to the
southward ; and various other phenomena
existing in and about the same regions, mark
the relative position of the real verges.

The heat and cold of the different climates
are governed by their distance from the verge
of the polar opening, and do not depend on

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. ^S

their nearness to or remoteness from the
equator. The natural climates are parallel
to the planes of the polar openings, and cut
the parallels of latitude at an angle of twelve
degrees. When the sun is on the tropic of
Capricorn, the circle of greatest cold would
be about twenty-three and a half degrees
south of the apparent verge, and when the
sun is on the tropic of Cancer this circle
would probably be just under the umbrage of
the real verge: hence it follows, if this doc-
trine be correct, that the climate of forty
degrees north latitude on the plains of Mis-
souri, in the western part of the continent of
America, will be as cold in winter, as the
latitude of fifty or fifty-two degrees in Europe ;
and observation has fully confirmed such to
be the fact.

The magnetic principle which gives po-
larity to the needle, is believed to be regula-
ted by the polar openings, and that the needle
always points directly to the opening, and of
course parallel to a line drawn perpendicular
to the plane of the opening. And when the
apparent verge shall be passed, the needle
will seem to turn nearly round, so as to point
in an opposite direction; having the con-
trary end north on the interior of the sphere^j

34 THE THEORY

that was north on the exterior, the same end
being north on the interior which was south
on the exterior. Hence, when navigators
arrive in the neighbourhood of the apparent
verge, the variation of the needle becomes
extreme; and when the verge is passed, the
variation is more or less reversed. The me-
ridians run from the highest northern to the
highest southern point on the verges; hence,
in tracing a meridian, or sailing due norths
we would pursue that line which would con-
duct us directly from the sun at his greatest
altitude; and when we come to the verge,
the meridian would vary, and wind along the
vicinity of the edge of the real verge, until it
brought us to the highest point of the appa-
rent verge. The magnetic needle, on arriving
at the verge would appear to cease to pursue
the same direction, but would in reality con-
tinue to maintain it, and lead directly into
the polar opening.

According to this formation of the sphere,
a traveller or navigator might proceed true
north any where west of the highest point of
the verge, say on the continent of America^
until he come to the verge. The meridian
on which he was travelling would then wind
along the verge to the right, until he arrived

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 35

at the ninetieth degree; and by proceeding
south, in the same direction, he would arrive
at the coast of Siberia, without going far into
the concavity of the sphere, and without
knowing that he had been within the verge.
Should such a journey be effected, it would
appear to confirm the old theory of the form
of the earth, and put the subject at rest;
although pursuing the needle might have
directed the traveller into the interior, and
enabled him to discover those fine countries
which Captain Symmes alleges to exist
there.

Each of the spheres composing the earth,
as well as those constituting the other planets
throughout the universe, is believed to be^
habitable both on the inner and outer sur-
face ; and lighted and warmed according to
those general laws which communicate light
and heat to every part of the universe. The
light may not, indeed, be so bright, nor the
heat so intense, as is indicated in high
northern latitudes (about where the verge is
supposed to commence) by the paleness of
the sun, and darkness of the sky ; facts, which
various navigators who have visited those
regions confirm ; yet they are no doubt suffi-
ciently lighted and warmed to promote the

36 THE THEORY

propagation and support of animal and veget-
able life.

The different spheres constituting our plan-
et, and the other orbs in creation, most proba-
bly do not revolve on axes, parallel to each
other, nor perform their revolutions in the
same periods of time ; as is indicated by the
spots on tlie belts of Jupiter, which move
faster on one belt than another.

The atmosphere surrounding the sphere is
probably more dense on the interior than the
exterior surface, the increased pressure of
which must increase the force of gravity ; as
the power of gravity must increase in propor-
tion as we approach nearer the poles. —
Clouds formed in the atmosphere of the con-
vexity of the sphere, probably float in through
the polar openings, and visit the interior, in
the form of rain and snow. And the long
continuation of winds, or regular monsoons,
which occur in some parts of the earth, may
be supplied by winds sucked into one polar
opening and discharged through the other,
thus performing the circuit of the sphere;
without which supposition, it would be diffi-
cult to account for the long continued winds
which, at certain seasons, are known to blow
<:onstantly for several months, more or less
obliquely to and from the poles.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 37

The disciples of Symmes believe that each
sphere has a cavity, or mid-plane space near
the centre of the matter composing it, filled
with a very light, subtile, elastic substance,
partaking somewhat, perhaps, of the nature
of hydrogen gas; which aerial fluid is com-
posed of molecules greatly rarified in compari-
son with the gravity of tjie extended or ex-
posed surfaces of the sphere. This mid-plane
space tends to give the sphere a degree of
lightness and buoyancy. Besides this large
mid-plane space, perhaps numerous other inter-
stices exist in the sphere nearer the surface,
and of more limited extent. The gas esca-
ping from these spaces is, no doubt, the cause
of earthquakes; and supply the numerous
volcanoes. This gas becoming rarified and
escaping, iTfitrst occasion most of those great
revolutions and phenomena in nature, which
we know to have occurred in the geology of
the earth. This aerial fluid with which the
mid-plane spaces Rice filled, may possibly be
adapted to the support of animal life ; and
the interior surfaces of the spheres formed by
them, may abound with animals, with organs
only adapted to the medium which they are
destined to inhabit.

D

38 THE THEORY

In many parts of the unfathomable ocean
there may be communications or passages
from the surface of the sphere on the outer
side to the surface of the inner, at least all
except the great mid-plane space, through
which liquid apertures, light and heat may
be communicated, perhaps, to the interior
surface of the sphere.

CHAPTER III.

Symrnes's Theory supported by arguments drawn from the
principles inherent in matter, and the consequences result-
ing from, motion:, tending to show that, from necessity, matter
must form itself into concentric circles or spheres, such as
Symmejs describes the earth to be composed of

IT is a principle laid down by Sir Isaac
Newton, the correctness of which is generally
admitted, that "matter attracts matter in
proportion to its quantity and the squares of
its distances inversely." Captain Symmes
contends that gravity consists in a certain ex-
pansive quality in the molecules which con^
stitute the aerial fluid called aether, which

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 39

fills universal space, and creates a pushing,
instead of a pulling power. However, let
either be correct, 1 conceive it cannot mate-
rially affect the principles necessary to con-
stitute concentric spheres: either principle, 1
apprehend, would lead us nearly to the same
results. When matter was in chaos, or in a
form not solid, promiscuously disseminated
through universal space, suppose it then
should at once receive the impression of those
universal laws by which it is governed, and
see what would be the consequence. i.

According to Sir Isaac Newton's princi-
ples of gravity, the particle of matter that
happened to be the largest would attract the
smaller in its neighbourhood, which would
increase the power of attraction in propor-
tion to the increase of matter, until all in the
universe would be collected into one vast body
in the centre of space, and there remain mo-
tionless and at rest forever. This, however,
we find not to be the case; for innumerable
bodies of matter, differing in magnitude, are
known to exist throughout the universe, ar-
ranged at suitable distances from each other^
and performing certain revolutions in obedi-
dience to certain fixed laws impressed on
them.

40 THE THEORY

Now suppose all the matter in our globe to
be an extended liquid mass, the particles so
disengaged from each other, as to take their
positions according to the established laws of
matter, and then see what would be the
consequences resulting from motion and grav-
ity. Taking the laws of Newton for our
guide, the particles of matter in the centre
would be operated on by the power of gravity
equally on all sides and consequently be sta-
tionary. Suppose then a line struck through
this globe of matter, so as to make a globe of
half the diameter of the whole in the centre, it
is plain that the inner globe would not con-
tain more than one eighth part as much mat-
ter as the surrounding one ; hence it would be
attracted tov/ards the surface more than to
the centre, were it not for the attraction of
the matter on the opposite side exerting an
influence upon it — but this being removed to
so much greater distance, would not be more
than an equipoise to the other.

The diameter of our globe, according to the
best observation, is believed to be about 7970
English miles, and its circumference 25,038:
consequently, if it were solid, it would contain
265,078,559,622 cubic miles of matter; while

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 41

a globe of only half the diameter, would con-
tain only 3^,134,819,952.*

*The solidity of the earth is easily calculated by the
measure of a meridional degree; but the result will be
different according to the measurement assumed, as the
length of a degree differs in different latitudes. " Not-
withstanding all the admeasurements that have hitherto
been made, it has never been demonstrated, in a satisfac-
tory manner, that the earth is strictly a spheriod ; indeed,
from observations made in different parts of the earth, it
appears that its ligure is by no means that of a regular
spheriod, nor that of any other known regular mathemati-
cal figure; and the only certain conclusions that can be
drawn from the works of the several gentlemen employed
to measure the earth is, that the earth is something more
flat at the poles than at the equator." [Keith on globes
p. 56. New- York, 1811.]

According to Mott's translation of Newton's Principia,
book 3, page 243, the equatorial diameter of the earth is
7964 English miles, and the polar diameter 7929, for as
230 : 229 : : 7964 : 7929 miles, the polar axis.

Cassini, who adopted Picard's measure of a degree,
makes the diameter of the earth 7967 statute miles; oth-
ers have estimated it at 7917, and some at 7910 miles.
But the estimate which is now esteemed most correct, I
believe, is, that the equatorial diameter is 7977 English
miles, and the polar diameter 7940. From this we may
ascertain the solid contents of the earth. The axis of the
earth then assumed to be 7940 and 7977 miles respective-
ly, the area of the generating eclipse is (7940 x 7977 xt 0,,
7854=) 49745178, 252: and its area multiplied by two
thirds of the longer axis, gives the solidity equal to (4974-
5178,252 X I X 7977=) 264544857944,136 cubic miles.
D2

42 THE THEORY

Suppose our globe divided into parts of one
square mile on the surface,boimded by straight
lines converging to a point at the centre, as
the subjoined figure represents:

and then suppose there were no other particles
of matter in the universe but A and B, A con-
taining 1,32S cubic miles of matter, and Bonly
166, A would attract B so as to make their
centre of attraction at O, which point would
become at once the common centre: but ad-
mitting the whole matter of the globe to exist,
Awould still exert its influence on B, but both

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 43

would be operated upon by T and S and the
surrounding matter, all perhaps, tending to
one common centre. However, 1 imagine that
the tending to the centre would not be so great
as is contended for by the generally received
theory, which alleges that matter at the centre
of the earth is four times as hard as hammered
iron. The Newtonian philosophy appears to
contemplate a globe at rest, and not in such
rapid motion as we know the earth and other
planetary bodies to be in, communicating to
them a centrifugal force, which tends to throw
matter from the centre. The rotary motion
of each planet is no doubt regulated by the
quantity of matter it contains: so that at its
surface centrifugal and centripetal forces are
equally balanced — the rotary motion being
adequate to communicate a force to counter-
balance the force of gravity.

Newton ascertained by his investigations
of the properties and principles of matter, the
earth to be a globe flattened at the poles: and
the French philosophers afterwards confirm-
ed this fact by measuring a degree in differ-
ent latitudes. This difference between the
equatorial and polar diameters of the earth,
and of the other planets which are also known
to be of that shape, is ascribed by those

44 THE THEORY

philosophers who attempt to account for such
a formation, to the projectile force of the globe
at the equator occasioned by its rotary motion.
This is admitting that the matter of our globe
was once in so soft a state as to take its form
from motion ; for were the earth a compact
solid body, and four times as hard as hammer-
ed iron at the centre, (as the Newtonian sys-
tem alleges) this rotary motion round an im-
aginary axis could never give to the globe
the form of an oblate spheriod, as is ascer-
tained to be the fact ; because a hard solid
body moving in empty space, could not be sup-
posed to yield into that shape by any law of
action as yet unfolded by science.

But were the matter of this globe thrown
into a confused, disorganized state, and then
put into a quick rotary motion, such as it is
known to have, it would throw off from the
centre towards the surface, first the heaviest,
and next the lighter substances, which is the
very order in which they are found to be ar-
ranged, in the composition of the earth.

This principle, for it is simply the princi-
ple of projectile force, will account for moun-
tains, hills, vallies, plains; and for nearly all
the inequalities on the face of the earth.
These circumstances depend on the density

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 4f,

of substances composing the earth. Substan-
ces of the greatest specific gravity are sus-
ceptible of the greatest projectile force; and
hence we find that mountains are composed
of heavy masses of rock, mineral substances,
and heavy earths; hills, or the next highest
eminences, of earth of the next specific grav-
ity; and plains, or level lands, of lighter sub-
stances. Had the earth originally been com-
posed of one uniform substance, sand, for
example, of equal fineness and weight, the
whole surface of the globe would have pre-
sented one uniform level or unbroken plain»
But, presuming that it was originally com-
posed of, at least, earths of different densi-
ties, the heaviest masses would be first thrown
out and raise their heads above the surface
of the ocean: thus islands would be formed;
and clusters of islands would form continents,
rearing their lofty heads into the air; and, if
the substances of which they were originally
composed, were not as hard as the rocks
which we now find on them, the sun and
changing temperature of the climates, might
convert certain kinds of earth into masses of
stone, increasing in specific gravity by petri-
faction, and other causes, until the towering
peaks of the Alps and Andes assumed their

46 THE THEORY

present solid form. One continent having
thus emerged, another would naturally be pro-
duced simultaneously on the opposite side of
the sphere, as an equipoise to the first, to
keep equal the earth's motion; until all the
heavy substances should be thrown out and
united in a compact sphere.

To an observer of the earth the crust every
where appears to indicate the emergence of
land from water: almost the whole surface
of the solid crust is alluvial, and by reason-
ing and reflecting, we are led to the conclu-
sion, that the solid parts of our globe are
nothing more than a crust, and formed into
concentric spheres, in accordance with the
principles of projectile force. 1 would ask,
what proofs have we, that the sphere we in-
habit is solid beyond the degree of thickness
necessary to preserve it from injury by its rap-
id motion round the sun, by its diurnal motion
round its own axis, and by its motion round
its common centre of gravity with the moon?
It has been ascertained with mathematical
certainty, that the large planet Jupiter, is
more than 1300 times the bulk of the earth,
and Saturn independent of his double ring, is
about lOOOtimes the size. If we apply to those
prodigious bodies, the reasoning of Newton

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 47

relative to plastic forms moving variously,
there is no just grounds for concluding that
they are solid substances to their centres.
If they were, their vast weight and remote
position would require much more attraction
than probably even the sun could furnish, to
keep them within their orbits.

The acknowledged and received laws of
gravity, together with the measurements
made on the same meridian, in different lati-
tudes, have demonstrated to us that the great-
est mathematicians have been mistaken as to
the real figure of the earth. It is for school-
men to make exact calculations, respecting
the force of gravity, and centrifugal and cen-
tripetal forces; it is for them to determine
with mathematical certainty where matter?
left to its own laws, would settle ; for such
undertakings, I acknowledge my incompeten-
cy. But I have long had strong doubts,
whether the laws of gravity are well under-
stood; or whether the rules on which these
calculations could be accurately made, are
exactly known. However, I take the broad
principles of nature, as presented to my view,
for my guide; and draw my conclusions from
what I have seen or what is well known tg
exist.

48 THE THEORY

Observe the boy hurling a stone from a
sling; he whirls it round his head for a min-
ute to acquire a certain degree of centrifugal
force, and although it is not whirled with half
the velocity the earth revolves on its axis,
yet as soon as it is released from confinement,
notwithstanding the whole power of the earth
is operating on it with all the force of gravi-
ty, the centrifugal force which the stone ac-
quired by the whirUng is sufficient to carry it
off, at a tangent to the circle described by the
sling, for a very considerable distance, before
the gravity of the earth and atmospheric obr
struction can force it to the ground.

If you will take the trouble to examine a
mechanic grinding cutlery on a large stone
that is smooth on the sides and has a quick
motion, you may observe that if a certain
portion of water be poured on the perpendicr
ular side whilst the stone is turning, it does
not settle or form itself into a body round the
crank or axis; nor does the gravity of the
earth draw it from the surface, but forms it-
self on the side of the stone into something
resembling concentric circles, one within an-
other. The surface of the earth, I appre-
hend, revolves with much greater velocity
than ^ny grindstone ; and the substances cora=

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 49

posing the spheres are much firmer than water.

Most of us, I presume, have seen persons for
amusement, in displaying feats of dexterity.,
place a full glass of wine or water on a hoop,
and whirl it round their heads without spill-
ing one drop. The centrifugal force it ac-
quires by the revolutions overcomes the power
of gravity, although nothing appears to sup-
port it but the common atmosphere.

Another experiment, producing a similar
effect, might be made with a cup filled with
fine sand. On the surface of the sand, de-
scribe a circle nearly in the centre; it will
then be apparent, on observing the cup, that
the sand within the circle, provided the par-
ticles attract one another as the planets do,
is as much attracted towards one verge of the
cup as the other; owing to its being equajly
surrounded by matter or sand, and therefore
it can be but very little, if any, gravitated cen-
trewise. Hence, being in a degree suspend-
ed, only a small horizontal rotary motion is
required to whirl it towards the rim or sides
of the cup into a circular form; and hence it
follows, that those particles of sand lying
equidistant from the inner side of the circle
of sand thus formed, and the outer side would
be in like manner balanced, or supported, by
E

50 THE THEORY

being equally gravitated in both directions.
A disposition would thus be produced to form
into concentric circles, and it would therefore
follow, that successive similar dispositions to
subdivision should occur, gradually lessening
in force and quantity. This principle applied
to the earth or other planets, would cause
them to be formed into concentric spheres;
and would throw the matter from the axis, as
well at the poles, as at the centre, and there-
by constitute open poles.

Another simple experiment might also be
made, to illustrate that a disposition to con-
centric spheres does exist in nature. On a
piece of paper sift a small quantity of very
fine magnetic particles, such as steel or iron
filings, under which hold a loadstone; and
you will observe that the attractive power of
the magnet will cause the filings on the pa-
per to arrange themselves into various con-
centric circles, nearly regular and equidistant
from each other. From what cause should
this take place, rather than that the filings
should be accumulated into one mass?

Various have been the conjectures relative
to the cause and origin of the meteoric stones,
or fire balls, which have been known to fall to
the earth, in all ages, and in various parts of

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 51

the world. Some have imagined them to be
precipitated from a comet or some of the
planets; others that they come from the
moon ; and Captain Symmes's opinion, I be-
lieve, is that they are formed isolated in space
by spontaneous accumulations, as by attract-
ing molecules of matter at first in a fluid state?
which afterwards solidifies by heat or mo-
tion. But come from whence they may, they
are said to be constituted of a substance un-
known to our geologists; and in several in-
stances the fragments have been ascertained
to consist of pieces, some of which have con-
cave and some convex surfaces, affording a
certain proof that previous to their descent,
they had been constituted of hollow spheres.
Professor Silliman, of Yale college, has pre-
served some of the fragments of one of these
fire balls; and in his valuable journal, has
given the public an able description of the
facts which occurred, when they fell. This
fire ball fell in the state of Connecticut, in the
year 1807, producing three distinct reports,
like a cannon, making three convulsive leaps
or throes in its course, which were simultane-
ous no doubt with the explosions, becoming
less luminous after each, and being quite ex-
tinguished at the third. Three showers of

52 THE THEORY

stones fell to the earth in aline with its course ;
the second shower fell five miles distant from
the first, and the last three or four miles from
the second. Some of the fragments were
found to be concave, others convex, and espe-
cially on those sides of the fragments which
were glazed with sooty crusted surface, as if
vitrified.

These phenomena are precisely such as
would occur, supposing the fire ball to have
been a small satellite, or erratic planet, at
first fluid, which had become so condensed by
the increased action of terrestrial gravity, oc-
casioned by its sudden approach, as to cause
its fluid parts to chrystalize and form into, at
least, three concentric spheres ; and the la-
tent heat and light set free by such rapid
condensation as to produce the meteoric
flame; which in this case was almost equal
in light to that of the sun at mid-day. As
soon as the spheres became sufficiently solid-
ified to prevent the heated aerial fluid, con-
tained in the mid-plane cavities of the spheres,
from passing out with freedom, when expand-
ed by the heat; or let the atmospheric air
pass in, in case a condensation within afl'ord-
ed a vacuum; the solid crusts of the spheres
would be disruptured successively one after

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES, 53

the other; lose their regular rotation, and
fall in fragments to the earth. The fall of
this body is not a solitary instance of the kind ;
others have fallen in many parts of the earth,
attended with phenomena more or less the
same.

On the 16th of January, 1818, in Florida,
near Mobile bay, a fire ball bursted with a
considerable report. Immediately before the
explosion, it was observed to project a cone
of fire from each pole horizontally and at
right angles with its course. Its bursting like
a bomb-shell, indicated that it must have
been hollow; and the two cones of light
which appeared, beside its train, showed that
it was open at the poles.

Turn your attention to the general econo-
my of nature throughout her works, and you
will perceive in various and almost innumer-
able substances that she forms hollow cylin-
ders or spheres in the room of solid ones. En-
quire of the botanist, and he will tell you that
the plants which spring up spontaneously,
agreeable to the established laws of nature,
are hollow cylinders. If a hollow globe would
answer the ends of supporting organic life as
well as a solid one — why not be hollow, as
well as a stalk of wheat? or by what laws is

,r,4 THE THEORY

the stalk of wheat governed, that it should al-
ways grow hollow? What law in nature
causes the quills and feathers of a bird to be
hollow cylinders? Why are they not solid ?
I presume it is for this plain reason, that na-
ture, throughout all her works, has wisely
assigned to every thing just matter enough
for strength and usefulness; and has in no
case overburthened it with unnecessary and
cumbrous weight.

Enquire of the anatomist, and he will tell
you that the large bones of all animals are
hollow, and particularly that the bones of
birds are more than ordinarily so: even the
minutest hairs of our heads are hollow.

Go to the mineralist, and he will inform you
that the stone called jErolites, and many other
mineral bodies, are composed of hollow con-
centric circles; and, that strata of different
kinds abound in various mineral substances.
Even the earth itself is composed, as geolo-
gists tell us, of various strata, composed of
different substances, and varying from one
degree of density to another. If every part
of our globe be regulated according to the re-
ceived laws of gravity, and the relative den-
sity of matter, why do we find almost all over
the world, light alluvial soil in the vallies and

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 55

plains; and on the tops of the highest moun-
tains, the more heavy granite, and some of
the heaviest substances that nature knows?
We can hardly indulge the thought that all
this is the work of volcanic eruptions or some
dread throe of nature.

However, if we direct our attention alone
to those general laws which are known, and
which are believed to govern matter, I appre-
hend it would be very difficult to account for
the creation of worlds, and the admirable ar-
rangement which subsists throughout the
universe. To account for every thing, either
according to the old or new theory, would be
attempting too much. It would be placing
the Deity in some corner of the universe an
idle spectator, whilst matter governed by its
own laws, was forming itself into worlds and
systems ; the bare thought of which is irrev-
erent. Is the existence of matter owing to
some other first cause, or did matter create
itself, and impress upon itself the laws which
govern it? Such an idea is absurd. We
might as well imagine that matter created
God, as itself. By attempting to trace every
effect to some natural cause, is attempting to
do more than we shall ever be able to ac-
complish. Such a course of reasoning must

56 ^HE THEORY

lead us to the conclusion that there is no
God, or first cause ; or, at least, to what would
be nearly the same thing, that there is no
need of one.

But in reasoning upon this subject, 1 take
it for granted, that there is a God, and that
he is the first cause of all things, the creator
of all the orbs in the universe, be they either
solid globes or concentric spheres ; and 1 hope
such is the reader's belief. And I cannot
discover in this any thing derogatory from
His infinite power, wisdom, or divine econo-
my, in the formation of a hollow world and
concentric spheres, any more than in that of
solid ones. I should rather be of opinion,
that a construction of all the orbs in creation,
on a plan corresponding with Symmes's the-
ory, would display the highest possible de-
gree of perfection, wisdom, and goodness —
the most perfect system of creative economy —
and, (as Dr. Mitchill expresses it) a great sa-
ving of stuff.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 57

CHAPTBR IV.

Arguments in support of Symmes^s Theory, draoon from
celestial appearances,

THAT a disposition to hollow cylinders
does exist in nature, I think, must be admit-
ted; and that a similar principle exists in the
planetary system, at least in some degree,
appears to me as certain. Every person has
seen or heard of Saturn and his rings. At
certain periods of time the appearance of this
planet,viewed through a good telescope, repre-
sents him to be surrounded with two luminous
rings or bodies of matter, concentric with
each other, and with the body of the planet.
These rings no where adhere to the body of
the planet, but are distinct and separate,
some considerable distance from him, and
from each other, leaving a portion of vacant
space between the planet and the rings,
through which we see the fixed stars beyond.*
It is a fact, 1 believe, admitted by all, and of
which we have positive occular demonstra-
tion, that these rings are constituted of some
kind of matter, if not solid, at least to all ap-

* Physical World, p. 42. —Adam's Philosophy, vol. 4,
p, 206; Philadelphia, 1807,

58 THE THEORY

pearance as much so as the body of the
planet. Their thickness must be very incon-
siderable, for when the edge is turned to the
eye it is no longer visible, except to the pow-
erful reflecting telescope of Dr. Herschel. —
Thus the rings undergo phases according to
the position of the planet in his orbit, which
iprove them to be opaque, like other bodies in
the planetary system, and like them shining
by reflection. I am not informed what is the
precise velocity of the rotary motion of the
rings ; probably their varying aspect, or some
other cause has prevented a correct observa-
tion from being made. However, the planet
itself revolves on its axis, with an astonish-
ing velocity; and no doubt the rings also,
though perhaps with different degrees of
velocity.

The appearance of Saturn, I conceive, es-
tablishes the fact, that the principle of con-
centric spheres, or hollow planets, does exist,
at least in one instance, in the solar system.
And if the fact be established that it exists
in one case, is it not fair, nay, is it not almost
a certain and necessary consequence, that the
same laws of matter which formed one planet
into concentric spheres, must form all the
others on a plan more or less the same ? If

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 59

we draw any conclusion, or form any opinion
at all, respecting the formation of the planets,
whose inner parts we cannot see; or if we
form any opinion in relation to our own
planet in particular, whose poles have never
been explored, would not reasoning from
analogy bring us to the conclusion, that all
bodies of matter are formed similar to that
of Saturn, unless we have positive proof to
the contrary? But it is not in Saturn alone
that we find proof of the principles contended
for by Captain S}'mmes. Most, if not all of
the other planets, belonging to our system,
whose relative situation afford us an oppor-
tunity of observation, appear to exhibit
strong proofs that the same principles prevail
throughout.

The planet Mars, exhibits concentric cir-
cles round one or the other of his poles, ac-
cording as either is more or less in opposition
to us. These circles appear alternately light
and dark, exactly as they should, supposing
the planet to be constituted of concentric
spheres, (such as Symmes believes of the
earth) the light being reflected from their
verges on which it falls; and in which case
the vacant space between the spheres would
necessarily appear dark.

go THE THEORY

Sometimes he appears to us with a single
ring at each pole. At such times his axis is
at right angles, or nearly so, with a line drawn
from the earth to his centre. This, I conceive,
can be accounted for by the great refraction,
occasioned by the increased density of his at-
mosphere around the poles, which appears
to throw out the further sides of the verges so
as to make them appear like rings, in the
form they present themselves to our view.
That such is the natural appearance may be
evidenced by taking a small wooden sphere
with open poles, and immerse it in a circular
glass vessel filled with water; when viewed
horizontally through the side of the glass,
with the plane of the openings at a right an-
gle with the visual ray, the refraction occa-^
sioned by the water, answering to the dense
atmosphere of Mars, will apparently throw
out the polar openings, and present you with
a view, similar to the appearance of Mars,
when his axis is at right angles to us.

Our next neighbour, Venus, between us and
the sun, (though her being between us and the
sun prevents us from having so favourable an
opportunity of examining her poles, as those
of Mars, who is our next neighbour on the
side opposite the sun) presents appearances

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 61

at certain times, which seem to lead to the
conclusion, that she also is constituted of con-
centric spheres. At times, when this planet
is nearly a crescent, we are able to discover
a deficient space near the tip of one of her
horns. Admitting Venus to be constituted of
concentric spheres with open poles; and sup-
posing one of the vacant spaces, between
two of her spheres about the polar openings, to
traverse her horn or cusp, at the place where
the dark space occurs, — it would present
to us exactly such an appearance as does
actually occur.

At other times, one of the horns or cusps of
Venus is seen to wind inward as it were into
the body of the planets, extending about fif-
teen degrees further than the other horn„
This is an appearance which would also be
presented, if Venus is formed according to
Symmes's theory. And again, supposing one
of her horns to terminate around the verge of
a polar opening, in such way as to follow the
curve of the verge for some distance, (which
is of course more curved than the periphery
of the planet) and the same appearances, I
think, would occur. The axis of the planet
not being at right angles with the polar open-
ings, in its revolutions one side of the verge
F

(J2. THE THEORY

would be thrown much nearer to us than the
other; and the different spheres revolving on
their axes with different velocities would at
different times exhibit to our view the verge
of a different sphere.*

The axis of the planet Jupiter is always at
right angles with a line drawn to the earth,
consequently his poles are never presented to
us; but his belts, which we can and do see,
seem to speak loudly in favour of a plurality
of spheres. The most common appearance
of Jupiter is, that he is surrounded by four
belts; two bright and two dark, alternate to
each other. But they are variable, present-
ing different appearances; at sometimes sev-
en or eight belts are discoverable, at other
times they appear interrupted in their length,
and to increase and diminish alternately, run-
ning into each other, and again to separate
into a number of belts of a smaller size. If

*" Dr. Herschel has observed a faint illumination in the
unlighted part of the planet Venus, which he ascribes to
«ome phosphoric quality of its atmosphere." Editor's note
to Adams' Philosophy, vol. 4, p. 204, Philadelphia, 1807.

Quere — Might not such an appearance be accounted
for as rationally, by supposing the rays of the sun to
shine or be reflected, through one of her polar openings,
and fall on the verge of the sphere at the opposite polar
opening?

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 63

Jupiter be a solid globe, I would enquire, how
is it possible to account for those various
changes in his belts, or even for their exist-
ence at all ? Astronomers, I understand, have
heretofore considered the phenomena of Ju-
piter's belts as altogether unaccountable. If
he be a simple plain globe, those belts could
not exist; or if they did, they must forever
remain uniform, and not change their size
and shape, or relative positions in respect to
each other; neither could the spots on one
belt rotate faster than those on another. But
if we adopt the doctrine of concentric spheres,
and that this planet is composed of a num-
ber of them, we can account at once for all
the various appearances in a rational man-
ner. The belts would be produced by the
shadow cast on the space between the polar
opening of one sphere and the adjoining one;
that is, a portion of the sunshine, would be
reflected from the verges of the spheres on
which it fell ; and another portion would ap-
pear to be swallowed by the intervening
space. And if refraction bends the rays of
vision between and under his spheres, as it
bends a portion of the rays of the sun, so as
to produce the apparent belts of comparative
shade, then a very complete solution of those

64 THE THEORY

appearances, heretofore considered wonder-
ful, would be afforded. The variation which
has been observed in their number, shape,
and dimensions, can in no way be better ac-
counted for, than by concluding the planet to
be constituted of a number of concentric
spheres, of different breadths, revolving on
different axes, and with different velocities,
so as sometimes to present to our view the
verge of one sphere, and sometimes that of ■
another: and the rays of the sun falling on
the parts of the verges presented to us, would
occasion the diversified appearances which
we discover. If some sections of both crusts
of the spheres be formed of water alone, and
become occasionally transpareot, it will af-
ford an additional reason for the varying phe-
nomena attendant oa these appearances,
which may also be increased by alternate
regions of water, ice, dry land, and snow.

Modern astronomers have long noticed the
spots frequently visible on the sun. They are
described as having the appearance of vast
holes, or fractures, in his outer surface or
crust, through which an inner appears to be
seen. This, also, seems to favour the doc-
trine of different spheres. Notwithstanding
the sun revolves verv slowly on his axis, it is

I

OF CONCENtnrc SPHERES. 65

probable that his poles are open to a greater
or less extent; but we can never see into
them, owing perhaps to the earth, never being
very far from the plane of the sun's equator,
his being such a vast deal larger than the
earth, and the atmosphere surrounding him
so extremely luminous.

Very little doubt exists in my mind, tliat
the poles of the sun and of Jupiter would ap-
pear somewhat like those of Mars or the
rings of Saturn, were it not that the two
former never present their axes, in any per-
ceptible degree, towards us; neither does our
satellite, the moon, ever present eitiier of her
poles to us: hence, though this maybe in
gome degree open, (notwithstanding her slow
rotation) owing to her axis always being
nearly at right angles with a line drawn to
the earth, we are not able to see whether
they are open or not, — more especially as
her atmosphere is so light and rare as not to
produce much refraction. The vast round
deep caverns observable on the surface of
the moon, appear as if they might once have
been polar openings ; if so, she must frequently
have changed her axis.

The spots of light which have at different
periods been discovered by astronomers, on
f2

66 THE THEORY

the surface of the moon, near her poles, when
she was on the face of the sun, in an eclipse
of that luminary, are perhaps best accounted
far by supposing the sun to shine in, either at
one of her polar openings or through a cavity
on her further side, and appearing to us
through one of her annular cavities, on this
side, and near her poles: Or the sun being
much larger than the moon, and the axis of
the moon a little varied from right angles with
the earth, (or perhaps the low side of the
sphere being next to the earth,) the sun would
shine through .an annular cavity or open pole,
so as to appear to us as a spot of light on the
moon's disk.

The foregoing enumerated astronomical
phenomena are some of the facts tending to
confirm and elucidate Symmes's theory. They
all have been long known to exist ; yet I have
never heard them accounted for to the satis-
faction of my mind. Indeed, I believe some
of them never was attempted to be account-
ed for in any manner whatever. I would,
therefore, request the reader, who may deign
to give tltg subject a serious thought, to re-
flect, that if all the celestial orbs are entire
round globes, as the old theory considers them
to be, on what principles, or in what manner,

i

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 67

could they present the various appearances
which 1 have emimerate'd'? Why should the
horns of Venus assume different shapes?
What would make the appearance of belts
on Jupiter? Or rings and concentric circles
at the poles of Mars? And, finally, in what
position could a round solid globe be placed,
to exhibit the rings of Saturn, revolving with
different velocities, as it respects each other,
and spaces appearing between them and the
body of the planet, through which stars, mil-
lions of miles beyond, can be distinctly seen?
These are phenomena I should like to hear
explained. On the principle of concentric
spheres, they can all be accounted for in a
most satisfactory manner. They appear per-
fectly plain and intelligible. What was
thought to be involved in inexplicable myste-
ry, and mid-night darkness, now perfectly ac-
cords with the established laws of nature,
and can be understood by the most ordinary
capacity.

m THE THEOKT

CHAPTER r.

The Theory of Concentric Spheres, supported by arguments
drawn from Terrestrial facts; such as the migration of
animals to and from the arctic regions, and from, refract-
tion, and the variation of the compass, observed in high
northern latitudes.

I would now advert to a few of the known
terrestrial facts, which have a tendency to
support the theory advanced by Captain
Symmes; such as the migration of animals,
including beasts, birds, and fishes, in the
arctic regions; and from refraction, and the
variation of the compass observed in high
northern latitudes.

It is a fact well attested by whalers an^
fishers in the northern seas ; and one that
almost every author wlio adverts to the
northern fisheries confirms, that innumerable
and almost incredible numbers of whales,
mackerel, herring, and other migratory fish,
annually come down in the spring season of
the year, from the artic seas towards the
equator. Some authors describe the shoals
of herring alone, to be equal in surface to
the island of Great Britain. Besides ihese,
innumerable shoals of other fish also come

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 69

down. These fish when they first come from
the north in the spring, are in their best
plight Rnrl fatfest ronditinn: hut as the sea-
son advances, and they move on to the south-
ward, they become poorj so much so, that
by the time they get on the coast of France,
or Spain, as fishermen say, they are scarce
worth catching.

The history of the migratory fish affords
strong grounds to conclude, that the shoals
which come from the north, are like swarms
of bees from the mother hive, never to return ;
particularly the herring and other small fish.
They are not known to return in shoals: and
it is doubted by some writers on the subject
whether any of them ever return north again,
or whether they are not entirely consumed by
men, and by other fish.

Whalers and other fishermen who go to
the north, generally prosecute their business
in the seas between latitudes sixty and sev-
enty degrees, where whales are most abund-
ant. Pinkerton, in his voyages, states, that
the Dutch, who at different periods got de-
tained in the ice, and were compelled to
winter in high northern latitudes, could find
but few fish to subsist on during the winters
which proves that the migrating fish do not

70 THE THEORY

winter amongst, or on this side of the ice.—
All these facts relative to fish, appear to be
well authenticated. Now, were the earth a
compact and solid spheriod, according to
the old theory; and were the seas frozen
nearly to the bottom at the poles, as we
/T would be led to conclude, where could all
( those fish, that come down to us every spring,
breed? or, if they even all returned in the
autumn, and all the north were a sea that did
not freeze even to the poles, it would require
a great stretch of credulity to imagine where
they could obtain food for the winter; or even
if their source of food were inexhaustible,
could the region of the pole afford space suf-
ficient for their health, so as to migrate south
in the spring? If the earth be not hollow,
(or at least greatly concave about the poles)
where could all those fish find room in
winter? But on Symmes's plan, admitting
the globe to be a hollow sphere, and the
inner, or concave part, as habitable as with-
out, (at least as habitable for fish) the whole
matter is at once explained.

Whales, and various fish, delight in cold
regions. According to Symmes's Theory, a
zone at a short distance beyond the real
yerge of the sphere, (which constitutes the

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 71

coldest part, or as he has thought proper to
term it, " the icy circle,") commencing at the
highest point, in about latitude sixty-eight
degrees, in the northern sea, near Norway,
thence gradually declining to about latitude
fifty degrees in the Pacific ocean, which is
the lowest point, and thence regularly round
again to the highest point. A certain dis-
tance beyond this, and short of the apparent
verge, this zone, or icy circle exists, which is
believed to be the coldest region of the earth.
After passing this, we would advance into
the interior of the globe, and into a milder
clime. In the interior region, it is contended,
those immense shoals of fish are propagated
and grow, which annually come out and
afford us such an abundant supply: nor does
it appear that the interior parts of the sphere
are altogether forsaken by the fish in summer;
for shoals of fat mackerel and herring come
down from the north in autumn, as well as
in the spring.

The seal, another animal found in cold re-
gions, is also said to migrate north twice each
year; going once beyond the icy circle to
produce their young; and again to complete
their growth, always returning remarkably
fat—an evidence that they find something

72 THE THEORY

more than snow and ice to feed on in the coun-
try to which they migrate.

Numerous other facts of importance, rela-
tive to the migration of quadrupeds, are well
authenticated by travellers and others: par-
ticularly that of the rein-deer. In Rees's Cy-
clopedia, under the head, "Hudson's Bay,"
it is stated, that the rein-deer are seen in the
spring season of the year, about the month of
March or April, coming down from the north,
in droves of eight or ten thousand, and that
they are known to return northward in the
month of October, when the snow becomes
deep. Hudson's Bay is situated between
sixty and sixty-five degrees north latitude.
We are informed by professor Adams of St.
Petersburgh, that on the northern coast of
Asia, every autumn the rein-deer start north-
eastwardly from the river Lena, and return
again in the spring, in good condition; the
mouth of the river Lena is in about latitude
seventy degrees north. This appears to me
rather a mystery according to the old theory
of the earth, for why should those deer when
the cold commences, seek a colder climate,
and a more sterile country? The inhospita-
ble coast of Liberia and Hudson's Bay, in the
gloom of a dark winter, I should suppose,

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 73

would be cold enough, without their seeking
to spend the winter among nothing but eter-
nal mountains of ice at the pole ; where na-
ture must be robed in snows and crowned with
storms.

Hearne, who travelled very high north and
northwest on the continent of America, de-
tails various facts in his journal, which strong-
ly corroborate Symmes's position. Some of
the facts he attempts to explain agreeably to
his own ideas, and others he considers inex-
plicable. Among a great collection of
facts, he states, that large droves of musk-ox'
en abound within the arctic circle, few of
which ever come so far south as the Hudsons-
Bay factories. He mentions seeing in the
course of one day, several herds of those ani-
mals, of seventy or eighty in a herd, in about
latitude sixty-eight degrees. He states that
the polar white bears are very rarely found
by any of the Indians in winter; and that
their winter retreats appear to be unknown;*
that they are sometimes seen retiring towards
the sea on the ice in autumn; and appea
again in great numbers in the latter end>
March, bringing their young with them.

*Heame's Journal, pp. 357, 368.

G

74 THE THEORY ^

Hearae also states, that the white or arctic
foxes are, some years, remarkably plentiful;
and always come from the north; that their
numbers almost exceed credibility ; that it is
well known none of them ever migrate again
to the northward; and that naturalists are at
a loss to know where they originate.* He
also mentions that all kinds of game, as well
as fish, in those high latitudes, are at some
seasons excessively plentiful, and at others
extremely scarce.

These facts stroligly corroborate the doc-
trine of a hollow .sphere: otherwise, why
should the rein-deer, and other animals, mi-
grate north instead of south; as our Buffalo
on the plains of Missouri do, when pressed
with snow and cold weather? Instinct gen-
erally leads animals to fruitful and produc-
tive, rather than unproductive, regions; why
then proceed north on the approach of win-
ter, unless in expectation of finding a warmer
climate, or, at least, a more mild and plentiful
country, beyond the icy circle? Independ-
ent of the immense droves of rein-deer, great
numbers of musk-oxen, white bears, and
white foxes, spend their winters towards the

*Hearne's Journal, pp. 364, 365.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 75

north; which tends to establisli the fact, that
a considerable extent of land must exist in
that quarter of the earth. This, however,
would infringe on the space necessary to ac-
commodate the vast quantities of fish which
appear to be propagated in that region, if the
old system were true.

If we were to judge of the internal surface
of the sphere, by its animal productions, —
admitting that those animals heretofore enu-
merated, are propagated there, — we should
conclude that the internal region of the earth
is as much more favourable to the support of
animal life, as the rein-deer is larger than our
deer, and the white bear larger than our bear;
and, consequently, we must conclude that
there are more salubrious climates and bet-
ter countries within, than any we have yet
discovered without.

Hearne also informs us that swans, geese,
brants, ducks, and other wild water-fowl, are
so numerous aboutHudson's Bay, in the spring
and summer, that the company every season
salt up vast quantities of them, sometimes six-
ty or seventy hogs-heads.* He enumerates
ten different species of geese, several of which,

*Hearne's Journal, p, 442.

76 THE THEORY

(particularly the snow geese, the blue geese,
brent geese, and horned wavey,) lay their
eggs and raise their young in some country
unknown, even to the Indians;* as their eggs
and young are never seen by them, neither
have the most accurate observers been able
to discover where they make their winter res-
idence; as it is well known that they do not
migrate to the southward ; but few of them
ever pass to the south, and some of the spe-
cies are said never to have been seen south
of latitude fifty-nine degrees.t Most of those
fowls molt or shed their feathers in a peculiar
manner, in summer, and become nearly na-
ked. Hence it would seem that they must
breed in winter while absent, for it is impos-
sible that they could lay and sit whilst molt-
ing; whereas, the migratory geese and ducks
of this country are not known to shed their
feathers, in any great 'degree; and are well
known to raise their young in the summer,
whilst in the^^north. It may, therefore, be in-
ferred, that many of those water-fowls, which
Hearnedescribes,raise their young beyond the
icy circle and within the sphere. As many of

*Herne's Journal, p. 442, 443, 444, 445, 446c
Ibid, p. 445.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 77

the ten species of geese he saw there, are un-
known further south, it establishes the fact,
that they do not come to the south to winter.
In the papers of the Honourable D. Bar-
rington, and Colonel Beaufoy, on the possibil-
ity of approaching the north pole, read before
the Royal Society of London, there is an ex-
tensive collection of instances cited, where
navigators have reached high northern lati-
tudes; from which it appears to be well au*
thenticated,that navigators have in numerous
instances reached the latitude of eighty-two,
eighty-three, and eighty-four degrees:* and
some are said to have sailed as far north as
eighty-eight and eighty-nine degrees.f It is
almost uniformly stated, that in those highlati-
tudes, the sea is clear of ice, or nearly so, and
the weather moderate.^ To cite the various
instances in which navigators have sailed far
north, would be too tedious :§ the whole book

*Barrington and Beaufoy, pp. 21, 51.
tibid, pp. 25,61.
tibid, pp 25, 32,37, 61.

From the Katioiial Intelligencer of Sept. 30, 1824.
$•' Polar Seas. — The fact that there are open seas
round both the earth's poles, has received strong corrob-
oration within the last few months. We have now a let-
ter on our table from a naval officer at Drontheim, who
g2

78 THE THEORY

principally consists of a series of facts, which
have a strong bearing on the subject, and to
which I would refer the reader who feels dis-
posed to investigate. The whole appears to
strengthen the opinion, that there is a bar-
rier, or circle of ice, about where the wha-
lers go to fish; but, when that is passed,

notices the fact that Captain Sabine had good weather,
and reached eighty degrees and thirty-one minutes north
latitude, without obstruction from the ice; so that the ex-
pedition might easily have proceeded farther had its ob-
ject so required. We have also had the pleasure to meet
recently witH a British officer who, with two vessels under
his command, last season penetrated to seventy-four de-
grees twenty-five minutes south latitude, in the antarctic
circle, which is about three degrees beyond Cook's utmost
limit. There he found the sea perfectly clear of ice, and
might have prosecuted his voyage towards the pole, if
other considerations had permitted. There was no field
ice in sight towards the south ; and the water was inhabit-
ed by many finned and hump-backed whales; the longi-
tude was between the south Shetland Islands, lately dis-
covered, and Sandwich land: this proves the former to
be an Archipelago (as was supposed) and not a continent.
The voyage is remarkable as being the utmost south upon
record; and we hope to be favoured with other particu-
lars of it. At present we have only to add, that the vari-
ation of the needle was extraordinary, and the more im-
portant as they could not readily be explained by the phi-
losophical principles at present maintained on the subject."

Literary Gazette,

i

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 79

we come to an open sea, and a more temper-
ate region.

The sea is stated to be open, and always
clear of ice, even in the middle of winter, on
the northern part of Spitzbergen, which is sit-
uated in latitude eighty degrees north; and
the further north the more clear it is of ice.*
But, at the same season, on the southern
parts of Spitzbergen, the sea is bound up with
solid and compact ice.

If the doctrine be true, that the earth is a
solid spheriod, the cold must increase regu-
larly as we approach the pole, and, conse-
quently, vegetation invariably diminish: this,
however, is ascertained not to be the fact.
Nova-Zembla, which is situated in north lati-
tude seventy-six degrees, produces no timber,
nor even a blade of grass,t consequently, all
the quadrupeds which frequent it, are foxes
and bears ; both carniverous animals. On the
coast of Greenland, about latitude sixty-five
and seventy degrees, neither timber nor grass
grows ;J while on the northern parts of Spitz-
bergen, they have rein-deer, which are often

*Barrington and Beaufoy, p. 74.
tPurchas, vol. 1, p. 479.
tHearne's Journal, p. 7,

80 THE THEORY

exceedingly fat ; and Mr. Grey mentions three
or four species of plants which grow and flow-
er there, during the summer.*

On any meridian passing through England,
it is ascertained to be more temperate at the
latitude of eighty degrees north, than at sev.
enty-three degrees rf and both Pinkerton and
Barrington inform us, that beyond the lati-
tude of seventy-five degrees, the north winds
are frequently warm in winler;J that in the
middle of winter for several weeks, there falls
almost continued rain; and that vegetables
and animals are more abundant at the lati-
tude of eighty degrees than at seventy-six
degrees.

It has long been observed that the climates
vary very considerably on the same parallels
of latitude. New York, which is situated in
latitude 40 degrees, is known to be considera-
bly colder in the winter than London, which
is situated in latitude fifty-five degrees; and
the parallel of latitude forty degrees on the
plains of Missouri is much colder than the
city of New-York. The climate at St. Pe-

*Barrington and Beaufoy, p. 36. — Dr. Birch's history
of the Royal Society, vol. et seq.
tBar. p. 101.
tBarrington and Beaufoy, pp. 25, 124.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHEHES. 81

ters, on the Mississippi, which is in latitude
forty-six degrees, is said to be considerably
colder than Quebec* This difference of cli-
mate has, by some, been attempted to be ac-
counted for, on the principle that land is
colder than water, and that the cold is occa-
sioned by the large portion of land in the con-
tinent of America: however, I submit to the
consideration of the reader, whether so great
a difference could arise from a cause of this
nature.

In the northern sea, between Spitzbergen
and the continent of America, there is a strong
current, which always comes from the north,
and sets southwardly.f It has been stated
by some, that, in the spring season of the
year, the water of this current is warmer and
fresher than the surrounding water of the sea.
Various other currents have, at different times,
been observed, in different parts of the sea,
setting from the north. Floating southward-
ly on these currents, have been seen large

*At the mouth of St. Peter's river, in winter, it is as
much colder than at Sacket's Harbour, as Sacket's Harbour
is colder than Mobile, although St. Peter's is west and Mo-
bile south of Sacket's Harbour, at nearly equal distances.

fBarrington and Beaufoy, p. 74. — Ross' Voyage, yol. 1>
p. 52, London, 1819.

82 THE THEORY

masses of ice, from fresh water rivers, with
wolves and bears occasionally on them. New
fallen trees have also been seen floating from
the north ; and various kinds of timber, some
of which the species have hitherto been un-
known, are frequently found lodged on the
northern part of the coast of Norway, having
drifted from some region still farther north.
Trees have also been found floating in the
ocean at latitude eighty degrees; when no
timber is known to grow north of latitude
seventy degrees. Also, seeds unknown to our
botanists, and those of tropical plants have
been found drifted on the coast of Norway,
and parts adjacent, many of which were in
so fresh a state as to vegetate and grow;*
when it is well known that no plant of their
species comes to perfection in any known
climate far without the tropics. And, what
makes the matter particularly extraordinary,
is, that these things appear to be drifted by
currents coming from the north; when, ac-
cording to the old theory, we must believe the
sea to be always frozen at the poles, which
would render it difficult, if not impossible, to
account for the existence of the currents atalL

*Danvin's Botanic Garden.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 83

In the United States of America, and in
Europe, the Aurora Borealis is always seen
to the north: But many of those travellers
and navigators, who penetrated to high north-
ern latitudes, observed the Aurora Borealis
in the south, and never in the north. The re-
gion in which it is believed to exist, is sup-
posed to be about the place where the verge
commences, and about fifty or sixty miles •
above the plane of the earth's surface; and
that the travellers who discovered these ap-
pearances south of them, were at that time
beyond the verge.

The Indians discovered by Captain Ross,
on the coast of Baffin's bay, in the summer
of 1818, in latitude seventy-five degrees fifty-
five minutes north, when interrogated from
whence they came, pointed to the north,
vhere, according to their account, there were
"plenty of people;"* that it was a warmer
country; and that there was much water
there. And when Captain Ross informed
them that he came from the contrary direc-
tion, pointing to the south, they replied, "that
could not be, because there was noticing but
ice in'that direction:"! Consequently these

* Rosses Voyage, v.l, p. 175.
jRoss' Voyage, V. 1, p. 110.

34 THE THEORY

people must live in a country not composed
of ice; for il appears they deem such an one
uninhabitable. Hence we must infer, if the
relation given by Captain Ross be correct,
that, north of where they then were, the cli-
mate becomes more mild, and is habitable;
a change, the cause of which is not easily
accounted for on the old philosophic prin-
ciples.

In high northern latitudes, owing to refrac-
tion, or some other peculiar circumstance,
which hitherto has not, to my knowledge,
been attempted to be accounted for, the ex-
tent of vision appears to be greatly increased ;
so that objects, much further than the ordi-
nary distance, are distinctly seen ; frequently
appearing elevated above the sea, or their
real situation; and their image sometimes/
pictured in the sky. The real objects, them-
selves, are sometimes seen with the naked
eye one hundred and forty or one hundred
and fifty miles,* and sometimes at the aston-
ishing distance of two hundred miles. These
facts are well attested by Captain Ross and
other navigators. How this can be account-
ed for, on the formation maintained by the

* Ross' Voyages, v. 1, pp. 71, 136, 199, 206.

OF CONCENTR[C SPHERES. f^5

old theory, I cannot conjecture. I believe it
is admitted that the deck of a vessel at sea,
any where between the equator and latitude
fifty or sixty degrees, cannot be discovered,
even by the best telescope, at a greater dis-
tance than twelve or fifteen miles.* Nay,
were there no end to vision, and could the
eye penetrate two hundred miles through our
atmosphere with sufficient clearness, it would
require an observer to be elevated about fiye
miles, before he could discover an object on
the surface of the earth two hundred miles
distant. But, on the edge of the verge of the
polar opening, if the atmosphere were clear,
and the power of vision strong enough, an ob-
server might discover objects situated on the
verge at any point all round the sphere; as
they would be on an exact plane with the
observer. And on the contrary, travelling
across the verge from the convexity to the
concavity of the sphere, a very few miles
make objects disappear.

All northern navigators and travellers
agree, that high north the sun becomes less
bright, and the sky darker, than in more

^Mackenzie states, " that sometimes the land looms, so
that there may be a great deception in the distances." —
Mackenzie's Voyage, p. 11, New-York, 1802.

H

35 THE THEORY

southern latitudes. Is not this owing to the
rays of the sun being refracted round the
verge of the polar opening ? Another circum-
stance, observed by navigators, who have
visited high latitudes is, that the latitude
and longitude, as found by celestial observa-
tion, frequently differ very materially, some-
times as much as one half, from that given
by the log-line.* It has also been observed
that the mercury in the barometer is less
fluctuating in northern regions, than it is
further south.

Those appearances observed in the south-
ern hemisphere, which are termed Magel-
lanic clouds, by navigators, have not, solar
as 1 know, been accounted for. They are
three in number, of an irregular shape, and
observed by night in the South Atlantic, and
the south-east parts of the Pacific oceans,
(reversed from New-Holland and New-Zea-
land,) but never visible in the[eastern parts of
the Indian ocean: their colour is like that of
far distant mountains, on which the sun is
shining. In the one sea they appear due
south, and in the other to the left. They are
stationary, appearing perpetually fixed at a
certain height, and in a particular situation,

* Ross' Voyage, v. 2, p. 4, London, 1819,

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 87

as viewed from any given place. The stars
and the heavens, in their diurnal revolutions,
sweep by them, and they remain the same.
To the navigator, who proceeds to the east
or west, they appear to be more or less to
the right or left of the meridian, in proportion
as he changes his longitude ; and as he sails
south, they increase in height, until they reach
the zenith, and finally become north, when
seen by an observer south of the straits of
Magellan, which is in latitude fifty-two de-
grees south. Captain Symmes accounts for
the appearance of these clouds by the great
refractive power of the atmosphere about the
polar openings; causing the opposite side of
the verge to appear pictured in the sky, as
navigators inform us objects do sometimes
appear, in the arctic regions; and in the man-
ner Scoresby's ship appeared in the sky, with
every particular about her so accurately rep-
resented, as to be at once identified by the
observers, though the vessel, at that time,
was at such a distance as to render it rather
incredible how she could be seen at aih As
proof of this position, Captain Symmes alle-
ges, that the relative position, shape, and
proportions of these clouds, agree in their gen-
eral outlines with the southern part of New

88 THE THEORY ^

Zealand, the southeast part of New-Holland,
and the whole of Van-Dieman's land, which
are situated on, and near to the verge of the
sphere, opposite to where the clouds are visi-
ble. These clouds are only seen in the night
when the atmosphere is clear, at v/hich time
the sun is shining on the islands in question.
Hence it is alleged, that from these facts,
their relative appearance is deducible. As
we are never sensible that the rays of light
are refracted by the medium through which
they pass before they reach our visual or-
gans; we frequently imagine objects to be
situated where they really are not; and such
is believed to be the case as respects Van-
Dieman's and the circumjacent land, as be-
fore described.

Franklin, in his journey far north, on the
continent of America, discovered a cloud,
which appeared to remain always in the same
position, and which the Indians informed him
was permanent. Not having the book at
hand, I cannot now advert particularly to
what he says on the subject: but, from mem-
ory only, recollect that he states something
to that effect. If such an appearance exist
there, may it not be accounted for in the same
manner as the Magellanic clouds?

OF COffCEN'TRIC SPHERES. 89

Navigators, who have sailed far north, ad-
mit the variation of the needle to be exces-
sive. Captain Ross found it in Baffin's Bay,
to be as much as one hundred and ten de-
grees; and Parry, during his voyage in 1822,
found it so changed, that the needle pointed
within about fourteen degrees of south. All,
I believe, concur, that this is a phenomenon
which universally occurs in high northern lat-
itudes; but it has hitherto remained unex-
plained. I believe, according to the old the-
ory, the needle is imagined to be attracted
by something at or near the pole: were this
supposition correct, the needle would uniform-
ly maintain its polarity on proceeding north,
on any given meridian, until you arrived at the
very pole itself. The possibility of a mo-
ving magnetic cause is difficult, if not impos-
sible, to be reconciled with a solid globe;
yet that the magnetic needle does vary on the
same meridian, and to a most extraordinary
degree, in high northern latitudes, is confirm-
ed beyond all doubt. Why not then urge the
variableness of the magnetic cause against
the possibility of a solid globe?

According to the doctrine of hollow spheres,
this whole mystery, of the variation of th&
compass, can be satisfactorily explained,
h2

90 THE THEORY

The magnetic needle, it is believed, regards
the centre of the polar opening, and not the
pole or axis of the earth. It will be recollected,
that the axis of the earth, being at an angle
of twelve or fifteen degrees from the plane of
the polar openings, causes one part of the
verge to extend farther north than the other,
the highest part of which is nearly on a me-
ridian running through Spitzbergen, in about
latitude sixty-eight degrees, and the lower-
most side in about the fiftieth degree. Now
in proceeding north on the first meridian, run-
ning near Spitzbergen, there ought to be no
variation of the needle until you arrive at the
apparent verge, when the needle would cease
to traverse; and by proceeding onwards,
would turn and point south. Should you pro-
ceed north, on a meridian west of this, when
you approached the apparent verge, the nee-
dle would seem to turn west, but in reality, it
would be the meridian turning to the right
along the verge to its highest or most north-
erly point; the needle keeping at a right an-
gle with the verge. And, in like manner, pur-
suing a course north, on a meridian east of
Spitzbergen, on your approach to the appar-
ent verge, the needle would still direct its
course at a right angle into the polar opening.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 91

(governed, most probably, by some princi-
ple of electricity, or other property contained
in matter, and kept in one position, subject
to the shape of the earth, which may not even
yet be exactly known,) the meridian would
here wind to the left, and conduct you to the
highest point of the apparent verge, north of
Spitzbergen. Hence the variation of the
needle would be east in Asia, and west in
America, which 1 am told is the fact. From
an examination of the variation of the com-
pass, as ascertained in different degrees of
latitude and longitude, it increases as you
proceed north, and west; which would be
exactly the case in accordance with the
theory of concentric spheres.*

Admitting the earth to be a solid globe,
and the cause of magnetism to be some at-
tractive power at the pole, how could the
needle vary differently on the same meridian,
in different latitudes, at the same period of
time, or vary at the same place, at different
periods of time? But, admit the doctrine
contended for, by the advocates of concen-
tric spheres, and it can be satisfactorily ex-
plained. The observations of modern as-

^Ross' Voyage, v. 2, p. 119.

92 THE THEORY

tronomers, have ascertained, that the poles,
or axis of the earth, are not always directed
to the same fixed star; and, of consequence,
that the axis does not always remain paral-
lel to itself This variation is discovered to
be about fifty-one minutes annually; which
would make a degree in about seventy-one
years: hence the needle always pointing to
the polar opening, would vary in about that
proportion, at the same place, in the same
period of time.*

^Physical World, p. 72.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 93

CHAPTER VI.

Facts tending to illustrate and prove (he existence of a mid-
plane-space, situated between the concave and convex
surfaces of the sphere.

ACCORDING to Symmes's Theory, each
sphere has an intermediate cavity, or mid-
plane-space, of considerable extent, situated
between the convex and concave surfaces of
the spliere, filled with a very light and
elastic fluid, rarified in proportion to the
gravity, or condensing power of the exposed
surfaces of the respective spheres: and also,
various other less cavities or spaces be-
tween the larger or principal one, and the
outer and inner surfaces of the spheres, each
filled with a similar fluid or gas, most proba-
bly partaking much of the nature of hydrogen.
This fluid is lighter than that in which the
sphere floats; and has a tendency to poise it
in universal space. The spheres, in many
parts of the unfathomable ocean, is believed
to be water quite through from the concave
or convex surfaces to the great mid-plane-
space, and probably the earthy or solid
matter of the sphere, may in many places
extend quite through from one surface to the

94 THE THEORY

other, tending, like ribs or braces, to support
the sphere in its proper form. Such a forma-
tion of spheres appears to be supported by
various facts and phenomena; amongst the
most prominent of which are Volcanoes and
Earthquakes. Many volcanic mountains
burst out and burn for ages, discharging from
the bowels of the earth immense quantities
of lava, pumice, and vitrious substances of
various kinds. Some of these mountains have
been burning for thousands of years, at least
as far back as the records of history have
been made known to us.

Had the earth, at its formation, been a
solid globe, four times as hard as hammered
iron at the centre, and gradually lessening in
density towards the surface, we must ad-
mit that it would still be solid matter. Govern-
ing ourselves by these principles, how can we
imagine that such immense caverns, filled
with combustible matter, as would be neces-
sary to supply those volcanoes from time im-
memorial,could have existed? However, that
they do exist is certain, which 1 think is in
no way more easily accounted for, than on the
plan o( a mid-plane-space, or of spaces, filled
with a certain hydrogenous gas, which being
much lighter than atmospheric air, if there

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 95

should be any small aperture or crevice ex-
tending from the surface to the space beneath,
the gravity of the outer part of the sphere
pressing on it would occasion a portion of
this gas to escape through the aperture; and
as it comes in contact w^ith the oxygen of the
atmosphere would take fire and occasion
those tremendous explosions which we know
do sometimes take place and cause those
mountains to burn for years, until the cavity
which supplied the volcanic matter, becomes
exhausted ; or until some shock or convulsion
consequent on the burning, may have loosened
rocks or earth of the denser part of the
sphere, which falling into the aperture, choke
it up. Hence the gas ceasing to escape, the
volcano would cease to burn, until some shock .'
or accident should again open the aperture.

The elastic fluid, with which the mid-plane
cavities are filled, being forced out into the
common atmosphere, the greater degree of
gravity would condense and set free its latent
heat or caloric, and be resolved into its origin-
al base, somewhat as coal-gas, out of the
tube of a gas-light apparatus, yields up its
latent heat by condensation. Hence steam
burns when mixed with coal-gas.

If the earth be a solid globe, I am at a loss
to account for the principles on which earth-

96 THE THEORY

quakes occur. Long before I heard ot
Symmes's theory, or perhaps before it had an
existence in the mind of man, when reading
accounts of earthquakes, it appeared to me
altogether unaccountable, that such violent
concussions could take place in one part of
the world, and not be felt throughout the
globe. It appears altogether inconsistent,
that one part of a solid piece of matter, would
be shaken so violently, without affecting the
whole mass. We are informed by authentic
history, that whole islands, and vast sections
of country, have been sunk by earthquakes,
and never more heard of. On the other hand,
islands which are now inhabited, and*pro-
ductive, have been raised, apparently, from
the bottom of the unfathomable ocean. How
such things occur, 1 am unable to divine. If
the globe be solid, on what principle could a
large portion of its surface, which is said to
be lighter than the parts beneath, sink into a
dense medium? How could a heavy mass,
lying a thousand fathoms deep at the bottom
of the ocean, rise, and be suddenly elevated
above the surface of the water, when all be-
low is so compact, and governed by an op-
posite and immutable tendency? - It appears
to be a solecism in nature.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 97

The writer had once an opportunity of
witnessing some of the effects of earthquakes.
It was his fortune to be on the Mississippi
river in the year 1812, at the time when that
country was so violently convulsed with an
earthquake. He saw and heard innumerable
explosions, as though a large quantity of air
had been confined in the bowels of the earth,
and, seeking vent, rushed out with a tremen-
dous sound ; forcing up considerable quantities
of sand through the apertures, in many in-
stances mixed with black muddy water, and
a substance resembling stone coal, or carbon-
ated wood, which emitted a strong bitumin-
ous odour, when exposed to fire

At one place the river was stopped in its
course a short time: the water rose to a con-
siderable height above its common level ; and,
on the west side of the channel of the river,
there was a counter-current for a few minutes
of an astonishing velocity. So great was its
force, that for some distance the cotton wood
and willows on the margin of the river, were
either prostrated or bent up the stream; and
their branches looked as if they had been
dragged a long way on the ground. The wa-
ters of the river soon subsided, and flowed in
their natural direction.

I ■' : .m ■

98 THE THEORY

So tremendous were those explosions, that
when happening under large trees, the tena-
city of their texture yielded at once to their
force ; and the largest in the forest were split
and fractured from root to top. During these
convulsions, the ground on which the town
of New-Madrid is situated, together with the
country for several miles round, sunk about
live feet below its former elevation; in which
situation it has remained. Eight years af-
terwards the writer was again on the same
spot. The desolate aspect, which the coun-
try presented at the lime he witnessed those
scenes, was measurably obliterated: but the
banks of the river were still in their sunken
situation.

How could all those violent convulsions
take place at this point, and not be felt at
New-Orleans, along the sea coast of the Uni-
ted States, and other places ? Whence came
this water and air, which issued from those
apertures in the earth? And why did the
river for a few minutes flow in a contrary di-
rection, and then resume its natural course?
If the earth be a compact and solid globe, I
can account for none of these things ; but ad-
mitting the formation of the sphere to be such
as I contend for, they are all resolved into the

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 99

most simple principles ; and what would oth-
erwise be impenetrable mystery, is made as
plain as noon-day. If the sphere be formed
as I allege, those concussions were doubtless
occasioned by the gas or fluid in the mid-plane
or some intermediate space, near the surface,
which, by being suddenly rarified, would make
it expand, and cause the upper part of the
sphere to be suddenly elevated in the neigh-;,
bourhood of the Little Praire; and hence the
waters of the river, pursuing the laws of grav-
ity, would flow in a contrary direction. This
sudden expansion, and elevation of the sur-
face, would cause apertures, through which,
the rare gas would escape, and the surface
would then settle down again, not only to its
former level, but, as a considerable portion of
this gas had escaped, the remaining part
would occupy less space ; hence the surface
of the country, around New-Madrid, would
be below its former situation.*

*Earthquakes. — M. Biot, after detailing the phenome-'
na of the earthquake, on the 22d of February, 1822, con-
cludes an interesting paper with these observations: —

In the infancy of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, it
was imagined that earthquakes might be easily explain-
ed; in proportion as these sciences have become more
correct and more profound, this confidence has decreased.

100 THE THEORY

The fluid, or gas, which fills the mid-plane
and intermediate cavities, is most probably
the same, or partaking of the same nature,
(though perhaps in a purer state,) with that
which oozes out of fissures in the earth, at
the bottom of deep mines, called by chemists,

Bi]t by a propensity, for which the character of the human
mind sufficiently accounts, all the new physical agents
which have been successively discovered, such as elec-
tricity, magnetism, the inflammation of gases, the decom-
position and recomposition of water, have been maintain-
ed in theories as the causes of the great phenomena of na-
ture. Now all these conjectures seem to be insufficient to
explain convulsions so extensive, produced at the same
time over such large portions of the earth, as those which
take place during earthquakes. The most probable opin-
ion, the only one which seems to us to reconcile, in a cer-
tain degree, the energy, the extent ol these phenomena,
and often their frightful correspondence in the most dis-
tant countries of the globe, would be to suppose, conform-
ably to many other physical indications, that the solid
surface on which we live is but of inconsiderable thickness
in comparison with the semi-diameter of the terrestrial
globe; is in some measure only a recent shell, covering a
liquid nacleus, perhaps still in a state of ignition, in which
great chemical or physical phenomena operating at inter-
vals cause those agitations which are transmitted to us.
The countries where the superficial crust is less thick or
less strong, or more recently or more imperfectly consoli-
dated, would agreeably to this hypothesis, be those the
most liable to be convulsed and broken by the violence of

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. loi

hydro-carbonate ; which being highly inflam-
mable, takes fire from the lamps used by-
workmen, and explodes with such violence
as to destroy both men and horses employed
in the mine. This is a frequent occurrence
in the deep coal mines of England; and great
numbers annually have lost their lives in this
way, before the introduction of Sir Humphrey
Davy's lamp. I am also informed, from good
authority, that the miners, in some of the
deep coal mines in England, once felt, or

these internal explosions. Now if we compare together
the experiments on the length of the pendulum, which have
been made for some j'^ears past with great accuracy, from
the north of Scotland to the south of Spain, we readily
perceive that the intensity of gravitation decreases on
this space, as we go from the Pole towards the Equator,
more rapidly than it ought to do upon an ellipsoid, the
concentric and similar strata of which should have equal
densities at equal depths; and the deviation is especially
sensible about the middle of France, where too there has
been observed a striking irregularity in the length of the
degrees of the earth. This local decrease of gravity in
these countries should seem to indicate, with some proba-
bility, that the strata near the surface must be less dense
there than elsewhere, and perhaps have in their interior
immense cavities. This would account for the existence
of the numerous volcanos of which these strata show the
traces, and explain why they are even now, at intervals,
the focus of subterraneous convulsions.
i2

102 THE THEORY

lieard an earthquake, which happened in Ita-
ly, whilst those on the surface of the ground
had no knowledge of it. This would be the
case, if the intermediate cavity, which caused
the earthquake, extended in that direction,
and near the bottom of the mine; as it is
presumed the rare gas with which those
spaces are filled, is better adapted to the
conveyance of sound, or vibratory motion,
than the more solid parts of the sphere, or
even the atmosphere around us.

On the supposition that the globe is solid,
and the matter composing it at rest, as re-
spects itself, on What principle can boiling
and hot springs be accounted for; some of
which issue out several thousands of miles
distant from where any volcano or subterra-
nean fire is known to exist; particularly as
to those on the waters of Red river, in the
state of Louisiana, which are sufticiently hot
to cook meat in a few minutes.

Phenomena which occur in various lakes
in Europe, may be adverted to in support of
this theory. The waters of lake Zirchnitzer,
in the Dutchy of Carniola, in Germany, flow
off, and leave the basin empty; and again fill
it, in an extraordinary and impetuous man-
ner; bringing up with its waters fish and

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 103

^.veii sometimes wild water fowl* In the
same country, there is a subterranean lake,
in the Grotto Podspetschio, of considerable
extent; the whole of this vast body of water,
at certain times, will disappear in a few
minutes, and leave the basin dry; and after a
few weeks, it again suddenly returns, with a
frightful noise. The lake of Geneva, and
some others in Switzerland, at certain times
rise and fall several feet without any cause,
which has as yet been satisfactorily explain-
ed ; and some writers inform us, that those
lakes, particularly Geneva, send forth, at
times, a grumbling noise. In the Saian moun-
tains, near the source of the Yenisei, is a
lake, called Boulamy-Koul, which, at the
approach of winter, emits strange sounds,
somewhat similar to those which precede the
eruption of a volcano, and which are com-
pared by the neighbouring inhabitants to
howling. The inhabitants on the borders of
Baikal, also state, that they have often heard
dreadful and terrific bowlings proceed from
that lake.t The lake, Agnano, in Italy,
sometimes, especially when the waters are

*Cook's Geography, v. 2, p. 250 — Also Rees' Cyclopedia,
article Lake. tRees' Cyclopedia, article Lake Geneva,

i04 THE THEORY

high, appears to boil at its borders. This
ebullition is supposed to be occasioned by
some gaseous fluids, discharged into the bot-
tom, which traverse the waters of the lake.*
These various phenomena, which cannot be
easily accounted for, might be best explained
perhaps, on the principles oi mid-f lane-spaces.
In various parts of the north, thick strata of
ice are found, under a thick soil; and on ice-
bergs, floating in the ocean, have been discov-
ered masses of earth, of granite, and of other
rocks.t

On the shores of Greenland the ebb tide
flows towards the coast, apparently as though
it passes under the land, and the flood tide
recedes from the shore; and in those regions
the sea is almost universally found deeper as
you approach the shore.J When the whales
become scarce, experience has taught the
whalers to seek for them near the shore, as
if at certain seasons they retired to it, and
then disappeared. Captain Symmes ima-
gines that the sea extends quite through the
spheres, about Greenland, and that the
whales suddenly migrate either to the mid-

* Rees' Cyclopedia, article Lake, t Ross' Voyage, t,
l,p. 225. Ubid, V. 1, p. 144.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. ]05

plane-space, or to the seas on the opposite
side ; which he alleges to be the case with sev-
eral other species of fish, as well as seals ; all
of which, he supposes, breed in the mid-plane-
space. The reasons that induce him to adopt
this conclusion are various; such as, that fish
have been thrown up by the eruption of a
volcano in South America* — herring appear-
ing in such immense numbers at certain sea-
sons of the year — the whales seeming to pass
under Greenland — two seals having been
once caught in Lake Ontario, which is said
to be unfathomable, although this lake is
many degrees south of where the seals have
ever before been known to come— —and
the various species of fish in our northern
lakes which appear and disappear at certain
periods. That the exterior seas in some
places communicate with the interior seas,
is rendered probable by various other circum-
ces; such as currents running continually
into the Mediterranean, and no visible out-
let to the water thus continually flowing in.
It is scarcely probable that evaporation could
carry off all the water supplied by the straits
of Gibraltar— the white sea being more salt

* Humboldt.

106 THE THEORY

at the head than at the foot — the tides being
higher in the Baltic than the Mediterranean
— white foxes having been forced up by the
waters of the sea (as Symmes undertakes to
prove) in the northern regions — the peculi-
arities of the tremendous whirlpool on the
coast of Norway, called the Maalstroom,
which sucks in, and discharges the waters of
the sea with great violence — and those ob-
servable in the Bay of Biscay, which are said
to be unfathomable.

OP CONCENTRIC SPHERES. IQ?

CHAPTER VII.

Several objections, made to the Theory of Concentric Spheres,
answered, particidarly the one that it contravenes religious
opinions; demonstrating that the earth, and the other orbs
of the universe, are formed on the best possible plan for
the maintainance and support of organic life.

SOME of the most prominent objections
which 1 have heard advanced against the
theory of concentric spheres are the fol-
lowing:

1st. That if the earth be not a solid globe,
but a hollow concentric sphere, the quantity
of matter being diminished, the attraction of
gravitation must be lessened so much that all
moveable bodies resting on the earth would
be thrown off by centrifugal force, in the
line of a tangent from the surface of the
sphere.

2d. That according to the established laws
of gravity, a hollow sphere could not exist in
nature: that matter would be gravitated to
the centre, and particularly about the polar
openings, so as to make it collapse.

3d. That if the orbs were hollow spheres,
the mutual influence of the planets on each
other would be so far destroyed, that they
would cease to revolve in regular orbits.

108 THE THEORY

4th. That the interior of the sphere can
never receive the light and heat of the sun;
is involved in perpetual darkness, and more
suited to the infliction of punishment on per-
verse and rebellious spirits, than for the resi-
dence of beings, fitted and designed for the
pursuit and enjoyment of happiness.

5th. And finally, the adherents of the new
theory have been charged with atheism, de-
ism, and such like epithets, as though they
intended to overturn the works of God, and
thwart the laws of nature.

1st. As to the first objection, I would en-
quire, has it yet been ascertained with math-
ematical certainty, in what exact proportion
one particle of matter attracts another? And
may there not be some law of nature with
which we are not yet well acquainted? All
the experiments, hitherto made on the attrac-
tive power of gravity, were made on the
principle, and under the belief, that the earth
is a solid globe: and consequently the deduc-
tions were drawn accordingly. Suppose the
attraction of gravitation, inherent in matter^
to be so much increased, that a hollow sphere
would possess the same attractive power, as
if it were a solid globe, would not all the re-
sults and consequences be exactly the same?

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 109

This being the case, — and I know no reason
why we should conclude differently, — the
whole force of the objection appears to fall to
the ground. According to Newton's principle
of gravity, the matter of the sphere would
attract all particles of matter placed on the
surface, as well upon the concave as convex,
in nearly equal proportions ; and the centrif-
ugal force, which, on the outer side of the
sphere, tends to throw bodies off, on the con-
cave side, would have an opposite effect.
Hence, a person standing, or trees growing, on
the interior surface, would be in no more dan-
ger of being precipitated to the next sphere,
between them and the centre, than those on
the outer part of the sphere, when they should
be turned (what is familiarly called) down.

The experiments made on the density of
the globe, by observations with the plum-line,
at the foot of a mountain, are very ingenious;
but they must be subject to great uncertainty.
The true deviation of the plum-line, the ex-
act quantity of matter in the mountain, or,
indeed, the quantity of matter between the
plumet and the centre of gravity, are points
difficult, if not impossible, to be ascertained
with mathematical precision.

K

110 THE THEORY

If the attraction of the sun is just sufficient
to keep the earth in its orbit, what can give
the tendency to retain Jupiter and Saturn in
theirs, each of which, if solid, contains such
a vast quantity more than the earth, and
removed to so great a distance from the sun,
that his influence upon either must be greatly
lessened by both?

2d. As to the objections that a hollow
sphere of the dimension of the earth cannot
exist in nature, 1 can discover no sound rea-
son to warrant such a conclusion. Many
hollow cylinders and spherical figures, we
know do exist on the surface of the earth;
and notwithstanding their own gravity, which
the different parts exert on each other, as
well as the gravity of the earth, they retain
their shape and position ; and had the matter
in the earth originally been thrown by a cen-
trifugal force into the form of a hollow sphere,
or had the first creating power originally
given it that shape,— I can discover no good
reason for a change ; neither should I enter-
tain any apprehensions of the particles of
matter coalescing at the centre.

3d. The force of this objection I cannot
appreciate -, for if all the planetary orbs in
the universe are composed of hollow concen-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 1 1 1

trie spheres, they must exert the same rela-
tive influence on each other, which they
would if they were solid orbs, as they would
each contain the same proportion of matter
as respects each other. Hence no good
reason appears why a system of hollow con-
centric spheres might not do just as well,
and perform their revolutions with the same
regularity, as a system of solid ones.

4th. This great and alarming objection
comes next: — that we are about placing a
world in eternal darkness, cut off from all
the comforts and pleasures of refined life, for
the enjoyment of which we are so eminently
qualified. Let us examine the force of this
objection; and if we cannot show that the
interior is, at least in some degree, illumina-
ted, we must then conclude that it is a very
dreary abode, and unfitted for the residence
of beings so fond of light as we profess to be.

According to the new theory, the northern
polar opening is about four thousand one hun-
dred and fifty miles in diameter, and the axis
of the earth is at an angle of about twelve de-
grees with the axis of the plane of the polar
opening; consequently, as the sphere revolves
on its axis, one side of the verge of the polar
opening will extend considerably further

]12 THE THEORY

north than the other. The verge of the north

polar opening on the low side, is laid down

at about fifty degrees of latitude, and the

verge of the high side at about sixty-eight

degrees.

Now, supposing the sun to be exactly of the
same diameter as the earth, and placed di-
rectly over the equator, when the low side of
the verge was turned towards the sun, the
direct rays from, his northern limb, independ-
ent of refraction, would pass the edge of the
lower part of the verge, and fall on the inner
part of the sphere, on the concave part of
the high side opposite, as far as eighteen de-
grees, or upwards. When the sun would be
on the tropic of Cancer, in June, he must then
throw the rays from his centre twenty-three
and a half degrees further within the sphere,
or within twenty-six and a half degrees of the
equator ; but the diameter of the sun being so
much greater than the earth, the rays from
his northern limb, would fall about thirty-
three minutes further within the sphere, and
leave not quite twenty-six degrees between
that and the equator to be excluded from his
direct rays. This relates to the northern
polar opening; as to that of the south, which
is believed to be much larger, we will make

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 1 1 3

a few remarks. The lower side of the south
polar opening, is laid in about latitude thir-
ty-four degrees, and the higher side, in about
latitude forty-six degrees. Were the sun of
the same diameter with the earth, as above
premised, and placed on the equator, his di-
rect rays would be thrown into the south
polar opening when the low side was towards
him, about twelve degrees, or to within thir-
ty-four degrees of the equator, and when on
the tropic of Capricorn, in December, twen-
ty-three and a half degrees further, that is,
the inner part of the southern hemisphere of
the sphere, on the high side, would be lighted
thirty-five and a half degrees within the
verge J and the direct rays of the sun would
shine within ten and a half degrees of the
inner centre of the sphere or equator. These
observations, you will observe, are made in
the most unfavourable point of view. It is
well known, that the diameter of the sun, is
vastly greater than that of the earth ; conse-
quently, his rays would pass into the polar
opening so much further, in proportion as the
angle of his diameter, and that of the earth,
differ, which would be about thirty-three
minutes further, bringing his direct rays in
the south, within less than ten degrees of the
k2

114 THE THEORY

equator; and this would be the case as the
sphere revolved on its axis, once in every
twenty-four hours. When the sphere turned,
with its high side towards the sun, it would
be night, or twilight, and when the low side
was next the sun, it would be day; at all
events, the direct rays of the sun would fall on
a space of about thirty-six and a half degrees
in breadth; the reflection from which would
light the whole of the remaining portion of
the inner part of the sphere, to a greater
degree, than any moon-light with which we
are acquainted. But there is another cir-
cumstance which tends to throw the rays of
the sun much further into the concave than
we have yet got them ; that is, the refractive
power of the atmosphere. It is a well known
fact that the rays of light are very much re-
fracted when passing out of a rare into a
denser medium; and about the poles of the
earth it is believed, (and this belief is con-
firmed by navigators) that refraction increas-
es very considerably, owing to (he great
density of the atmosphere. We have good
reason then to believe that refraction throws
the rays of the sun several degrees further
within the sphere. But let us take the known
refraction of the horizontal ray, at or near

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES 115

the equator (say one half of a degree) it
would throw the rays of light so much fur-
ther into the concave, and not leave quite
thirty-seven degrees in the centre of the
sphere deprived of the sun's rays. The mo-
tion of the earth causes the apparent motion
of the sun to be about fifteen degrees in an
hour, as the diurnal revolution of the earth
causes the sun to move apparently through
three hundred and sixty degrees in twenty-
four hours. Now it is a well known fact to
all that the sun gives us light sufficient to be
called day-light, for about an hour after he
descends below the horizon ; consequently he
must afford us light when he is fifteen degrees
obscured from our view. Accordingly, the
sun, though he might not be visible, would
illuminate the concave part of the sphere fif-
teen degrees further than his direct rays fall,
which reduces the space in the interior of the
sphere to the breadth of not quite seven de-
grees which would still remain unlighted.

But this is making calculations on the
most unfavorable premises possible. Consi-
dering the form of the earth, and the powef
of refraction, 1 have no doubt but the direct
rays of the Sun would fall on every part of
the inner sphere. However, I have proceed-

116 THE THEORY

ed on such premises as, I conclude, the most
sceptical must admit. Light, we know, is
reflected from solid bodies on which it falls,
and also from the atmosphere; the rays of
the sun, then, which would pass the lower
part of the verge and fall on the opposite
concave surface, would be reflected back in
all directions, and most probably light the
whole of the interior of the sphere sufficient
for the ordinary purposes of life. By way of
further illustration, suppose a perpendicular
wall were raised on a plain, one mile high,
does any person believe that there would be
no light on the side of the wall opposite to
the sun; although his rays would have to
form an angle of one hundred and forty, or
one hundred and fifty degrees, to reach the
earth on that side of the wall? No axiom
is more evident than that the rays of light
are communicated to other places than those
on which the rays of the sun fall directly; for
example, we all know that a close room,
however large, with a north window, will be
sufficiently lighted by refraction and reflec-
tion from the atmosphere, provided there is
no obstruction opposite the window, although
the rays of the sun would have to form an
angle of one hundred and fifty degrees to

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. ] 17

enter it, and why might not the whole inte-
rior of the sphere be lighted in the same
manner, even supposing the rays of the sun
should never enter directly. The north polar
opening being about four thousand one hun-
dred and fifty miles in diameter, and the
southern six thousand three hundred and fifty,
with the whole force of the direct rays of the
sua falling on and passing through the atmos-
phere a. either polar opening, it would not
require refraction, or reflection, to make an
angle of ninety degrees to light the whole of
the interior concave; and certainly the polar
openings are sufficiently large for the purpose,
when we compare a common window with
the dimensions of an ordinary sized room.

It is believed, by the adherents of the
new theory, that the atmosphere, within the
concave, and about the polar openings, is
much denser than our atmosphere; which
appears inevitably to be the case, as the
centrifugal force on the convex has the ten-
dency to throw the atmosphereyrom the sur-
face, and on the concave to force it from the
centre of motion, and nearer to the surface.
This admitted, the rays of the sun passing
out of a rare medium into a denser, would be
refracted much further into the sphere; and

113 THE THEORY

the sun-shine on the surface of one sphere
would be reflected obliquely, according to
the angle of incidence, to the next sphere,
and in this manner might be extended even
beyond the centre of the concave. It is also
believed, that near the verges of the polar
openings, and perhaps in many other parts of
the unfathomable ocean, the spheres are wa-
ter quite through, (at least all except the
mid-plane-spaces ^ or cavities) which bving the
case, light would probably be transmitted
between the spheres.

The apparent elevation of celestial bodies
above their true altitude, is greatest when the
body is on the horizon, which is ascertained
to be a little more than half a degree ; hence,
in our climate, the sun appears three minutes
sooner, and sets three minutes later than is
really the case, which increases the length
of our day six minutes, by refraction. This
gradually increases in proceeding from the
equator to the frigid zones; and at the poles,
were the earth entire, the day should become
thirty-six hours longer, by refraction alone,
than it would otherwise be.* It was doubt-
less owing to some peculiar refractive power

* Physical World, p. 105.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. HQ

in the northern regions, that caused the
Dutch, who wintered on Nova-Zembla, (which
is in latitude between seventy and seventy-
eight degrees,) on the approach of summer, to
see the sun about two weeks sooner than he
should have appeared in that latitude, ac-
cording to astronomical calculation.* This
tends to show that there is more refraction
in the northern regions than is observable
in the south.t

From an attentive examination of these
considerations, I am induced to conclude,
that the interior of the sphere may be as well
lighted as the exterior; or at all events, if

* Barrington and Beaufoy, p. 106, and Purchas, v. 3,
pp. 499, 500.

t The late George Adams, in his Philosoph}', treating of
refraction , states, that " at the horizon, in this climate,
(England) it is found to be about thirty-three minutes. In
climates near the equator, where the air is pure, the re-
fraction is less; and in the colder climates, nearer the
pole, it increases exceedingly, and is a happy provision
for lengthening the appearance of the light at those re-
gions so remote from the sun. Gassendees relates, that
some Hollanders, who wintered in Nova-Zembla, in lati-
tude seveqtyrfive degrees, were agreeably surprised with
a sight of the sun seventeen days before they expected
him in the horizon. This difference was owing to the re-
fraction of the atmosphere in that latitude." — Adams' Phi^
losophy, V. 4, p. 112, Philadelphia, 1807.

120 THE THEORY

not favoured with so great a degree of light
at all times, it has a more regular and con-
stant supply. But, admitting every thing on
this subject that the opponents of the theory
can suggest, I still discover no substantial
reason why the earth may not be a hollow
sphere. 1 can see no substantial reason why
the inhabitants of that portion of the earth,
(if any exist there) should be furnished with as
great a degree of light, and as intense a heat,
as we have upon the convex part of the
sphere. Must it of necessity follow, that it
cannot be inhabited, or if inhabited, that the
beings who people its surface, are less happy
than we? Certainly not. Is it not well known
to us, that every grade and species of ani-
mals, under every variety of circumstance,
whether inhabiting the air, the earth, or the
water, are fitted by an all-wise Providence
to their several conditions, and mediums, in
which they reside? As well might we con-
clude, that the immense planet Jupiter, situ-
ated so far from the sun as he is, can be
nothing but a dark, cold, and barren waste,
unfitted for the residence of intelligent beings.
It is ascertained by calculation, that the
light and heat which Jupiter receives from
the sun, is only the one twenty-seventh part

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 121

of what the earth receives * The light and
heat which Saturn receives from the sun is
estimated at only the one hundredth part of
that of the earth ;t and the planet Georgium
Sidus, revolving such an immense distance
further from the sun, than either of them,
must enjoy still less light and heat; accord-
ing to which, we would conclude, (if we adopt
the belief, that the degree of light and heat,
to which we are accustomed, is necessary for
the support of life,) that those vast planets
are not fitted by the God of nature for the
residence of intelligent beings; however, I
am inclined to believe that both light and
heat are communicated to them, in some way
not well known to us, sufficient for the pur-
pose. The true principles of light and heat,
and the manner in which they are generated
and transmitted, are not perhaps yet well un-
derstood and defined.^

* Keith on Globes, p. 144.— t Ibid, p. 149.

}Sir Isaac Newton, in his Principia, underprop. 16,
book 3, lays down the following proposition, viz: that
^'^ the heat of the sun is as the density of his rays, that is
reciprocally as the squares of the distances from the sunP^
From this principle, it has been assumed by some of our
modern astronomers, that but few of the planets can be
inhabited, as if the effect of light and heat are reciprocally
proportionate to the squares of the distances from the
L

122 THE THEORY

5th. Others, when the new theory is men-
tioned, cry Atheist, Deist, blasphemy ! as if
its advocates proposed to make a new world,
and support it without the intervention of
Divine Providence: such opponents scarcely

centre of their propagation; and if you divide the square
of the earth's distance from the sun, the quotient will
show, that the light and heat, which Mercury receives,
are about seven times greater, making it more than twice
as hot as boiling water. The light and heat communica-
ted to Saturn, being only the one hundredth part of that
ot the earth, the difference is more than seven times as
great as that between our summer heat and red hot iron^
if the light and heat of the sun are only in proportion to
the density of his rays. Such extremes of heat and cold,
we would naturally conclude must totally preclude all
material being, if in the least degree resembling those we
are acquainted with; nor could any of the vegetable world,
known to us, germinate in either extreme; nay, even the
matter of our globe would scarcely withstand it, our
oceans would be dissipated in vapour, on Mercury, and
frozen to the bottom on Saturn, Considerations like
these must induce us to conclude, that light and heat can-
not be communicated exactly on the plan laid down by
Newton, viz: that the heat of the sun is simply as the
density of his rays: for though the sunn's rays may be the
sine qua non, without which no light or heat would be
communicated, yet the quantmn of heat may depend on
the density and co-operation of the medium through
which it passes, or upon some other circumstance not
known to us, and perhaps impossible for us to know.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 123

deserve an answer. It is believed by all,
that the earth, the sun, the moon and stars,
are the work of an Almighty power. Wheth-
er solid globes or hollow spheres, they equal-
ly owe their existence to the great first cause,
that spoke matter into existence, that ar-
ranged it in whatever form and order infinite
wisdom dictated ; and that still supports and
governs the whole by universal and unvary-
ing laws. But it is as well known, that the
Almighty Disposer, interposes no miracles
for the accomplishment of his designs, but
makes use of means that are uniform in their
application, to effect the intended purpose;
hence Geologists, Philosophers, and Astron-
omers, attempt to account for the exisipnce
of all matter, and for the formation of plan-
ets, according to what is believed to be the
established laws of matter. In so doing,
we do not disparage the wisdom of the
Creator, nor controvert the truth of that di-
vine record, which Providence, in his good-
ness, has given us for our rule of life. True
it is, the sacred scriptures give us very little
information relative to the structure and for-
mation of the earth and the other planets
They were not intended to teach mankind
Geology, Geogrophy, or Astronomy; yet

124 THE THEORY

where assertions are clearly and distinctly
made respecting these things, we have rea-
son to believe them literally correct: as for
instance, when the Psalmist informs us, that
God hung the earth upon nothing; that He
balanced it in empty space, we are to look
for corresponding facts; though it was at
variance with the opinion of the world at
that time, modern astronomy now teaches
that such is the fact. In like manner, when
v/e meet with assertions, such as that "the
fountains of the great deep were broken up,
Onni Ipin nn^n yiNm, Genesis, chapter 1,
verse 2,*) we must acknowledge their cor-
rectness; and I think it will be admitted^
that they are at least as much in favour of
this new theory as the old.

* I am indebted to an excellent Hebrew scholar for the
Ibllowing:

Note. The words IH^I IJlil Theoo and Beoo, (Gene-
sis, chapter 1, verse 2,) which has been rendered by the
translators of our bible, " Without form and void,'' might
perhaps, with equal propriety, have been translated
" without form and hollow."

1. Theoo, the root, agreeably to the Hebrew grammar,
is found as a noun fljl or TltlH The or Thee, and, is ren-
dered confusion, loose, unconnected, without form, order,
or the like; and so well understood.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 125

The skilful and attentive observer of na-
ture, whether examining the most minute or
the most sublime, will discover that infinite
wisdom, judgment, and ingenuity, equally
prevail throughout. The principal aims of
the great author of all things, appear to have
been animation, diversity, and usefulness;

2. Be-oo, the root, is, according to the same rule, found in
^T]~Be, (Bethhey) hollow; it occurs not only in this form
but—

1. As a noun lll^ Beoo — Hollow, empty, having
nothing in it but air, filled only vacuo acre, with empty air,
as Lucan calls it, Lib. 5, line 94.

2. As a noun fern: in reg: H^l T^n^ Bet, Bethoin,
the apparent hollow, or pupil of the eye, &c. Comp. jn^T
Bebath, under, ^^ Beb.

3. Asanounfem: H^n T/ie^-e inReg: jH^ll Thebeth,
an ark, a hollow vessel, under 2d head of '2^ Beb. occurs
not as a verb in kab, but

1. As a participial noun, or participle in Nipth ^1^^
Neboob,hollow, made hollow, &;c.

2. It is applied spiritually, hollow, empty, vain.

3. To the sight, or pupil of the eye; that part of the eye
which appears hollow, and admits the light. See Park-
hursfs Hebrew Lexicon.

Had the learned translators of our bible possessed a
knowledge of the theory of concentric spheres, it is proba-
ble they would have given the English reader the most
correct meaning of the words, iH^I inH " without form
and hollow,^'' or " shapeless and hollow.^''
l2

126 THE THEORY

the air we breathe, the water we drink, the
vegetables on which we feed; indeed every
leaf and plant of the forest and field — all
teem with animallife. Why then should we
believe, or even presume to think, that the
Almighty Fiat, which spoke matter into ex-
istence, for the support and maintenance of
living creatures, innumerable, and endless in
the variety of their organization, their colours,
their passions, and their pursuits — why, I say,
should we then presume, that the omnifick
word would create even the smallest parti-
cle of any of the immense, the innumerable
orbs in the universe, of inert or useless mat-
ter, devoid of activity and design? This
earth, when compared with the magnitude
and number of other planets we know, is but
as a point; yet we can hardly conceive,
small as she appears by comparison, that
she was only designed to have animate life
on her surface, and all the rest to remain
useless! Such an idea seems unworthy of
the Divine Being, whose essence is all per-
fection. Can we for a moment suppose, that
the interior parts of the earth, have received
less attention from the Creator, than the
objects which are under our immediate in-
spection? On the contrary, may it not be

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 127

more rationally inferred, that, for the object
of more widely disseminating animation,
spheres are formed within spheres, concen-
tric with each other, each revolving on its
own axis, and thus multiplying the habitable
superfices?

Great and sublime as our conceptions of
the Deity must be, when we contemplate the
earth and its inhabitants — if we turn our at-
tention to the solar system, our world dwin-
dles into a little insignificant ball. Yet if we
cast our eyes still beyond, and contemplate
the eighty millions of fixed stars, which a
good telescope brings to our view, each the
centre of a mighty system of revolving worlds ;
and then reflect that all this is only one little
dark corner of creation, we are lost in the
magnitude of the contemplation. But when
we come to consider each of these fixed
stars, with their planets, and they with their
satellites, all consisting of concentric spheres^
revolving within each other, in due order, and
adapted to the support and comforts of life,
for countless millions of beings; we are struck
with ten-fold astonishment and admiration,
and bow with reverential awe, before Him
who sits at the head of the universe, and
governs the whole by unvarying laws. It

128 THE THEORY

would seem to me, that in contemplating this
new order of creation, the imagination must
break through and soar beyond its old boun-
daries. It would seem that on embracing
this doctrine, the spirit must expand with in-
creased devotion, and be entirely absorbed
in the infinite wisdom and power of Him, who
was competent to devise, and able to execute,
such a beautiful arrangement of matter.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES 129

CHAPTER VIII.

General observations on the Theory of Concentric Spheres,
with a Jew suggestions to the Congress of the United
States, to authorize and ft out an Expedition for the dis-
covery of the Interior Regions; or, at least, to explore the
northern parts of the continent of America.

OF the many various and conflicting theo-
ries which have been advanced, relative to
the form, structure, and motion of the earth,
the theory of Concentric Spheres deserves to
rank as one of the most important: for, should
it hereafter be found correct, the advantages
resulting to the civilized and learned world,
must cause it to stand pre-eminent among
the improvements in philosophy. The habit-
able superfices of our sphere would not only
be nearly doubled ; but the different spheres
of which our earth is probably constituted,
might increase the habitable surface ten-fold.

That such may be the construction of the
earth, every law of matter with which 1 am
acquainted, seems to admit, at least of the
possibility; the diiferent appearances of the
other planets render it probable; and the
various concurring terrestrial facts existing
in the arctic regions, to my mind, render such
a conclusion almost certain. And further,

]30 THE THEORY

that matter and space arc never uselessly
wasted, is an axiom, not only of sound phi-
losophy, but of natural religion, and of com-
mon sense.

Many of the theories which have been ad-
vanced respecting the earth, are vague and
uncertain, and will remain so forever; being
predicated on deductions drawn from certain
premises that can never be established with
certainty ; consequently they must rest wholly
on the strength of the arguments drawn from
the premises, as they are not susceptible of
being demonstrated by experiment. Not so
with the theory of concentric spheres. Its
correctness admits of occular demonstration.
The interior of the sphere is declared acces-
sible, and the whole extent capable of being
accurately explored; thereby establishing
the theory, or disproving and putting it at
rest forever.

The celebrated Dr. Hall ey, in the year
1692, in his attempt to account for the change
of the variation of the magnetic needle,
advanced a novel hypothesis, as respects the
internal structure of the earth. He supposes
that there is an interior globe, separated from
the external sphere by a fluid medium; or
that there may be several internal spheres,

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. ] 3 1

separated from each other by atmospheres,
and that the concave arches may in several
places shine with a substance similar to that
which invests the body of the sun, producing
light and heat for the accommodation of
those internal regions which he alleges may
possibly be inhabited by animate beings.*
However, he suggests no idea of Polar

* The application which the Dr. makes of this struc-
ture of the earth is this: that the concave sides of the
spheres are made up of magnetic matter; that they re-
volve about their diurnal axes in about twenty-four hours;
that the outer sphere moves either a little faster or a little
slower than the internal ball; that the magnetic pole,
both of the external shell and included globe, are distant
from the poles of rotation; and that the variation arises
from a change of the relative distances of the external
and internal poles in consequence of the difference of
their revolutions. [See life of Dr. Halley.]

In Rees' Cyclopedia, under the article ' ring,' is the
following sentence; by which it appears that Kepler first
suggested the earth to be composed of concentric crusts.
" Kepler, in his Epitom. Astron. Copern. (as after him
Dr. Halley, in his enquiry into the causes of the variation
of the needle, Phil. Trans. No. 195.) supposes our earth
may be composed of several crusts or shells^ one within
another, and concentric to each other. If this be the
case, it is possible the ring of Saturn may be the fragment
or remaining ruin of his former exterior shell, the rest of
which is broken or fallen down upon the body of the
planet.''

132 THE THEORY

Openings, nor of any communication from the
outer surface to those interior regions; conse-
quently their existence must have remained
forever a matter of mere conjecture.

We find that Dr. Halley, in the wisdom of
his philosophy,believed those internal regions
to be lighted, though situated many thousand
fathoms beneath the surface, and without
any aperture to communicate light from with-
out. Why not, then, believe that the interior
of the spheres, according to Symmes's theory,
may be lighted, when he lays down such vast
openings at either pole for that purpose?

Euler was also an advocate for the theory
of Dr. Halley. He believed, with him, that
the earth is hollow, with a ball, or nucleus,
included in the centre; he, however, differed
from Halley as to the nature of the nucleus.
Halley believed it to be constituted of the
same materials of the exterior crust of the
earth. Euler believed it to be a luminous
body formed of materials similar to the sun,
and adapted to the purpose of illuminating
and warming the interior surface of the
crust, which he supposed might be inhabited
equally with the exterior surface. He fan-
cied that this luminous ball had no rotary
motion, and that the outer shell revolved

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 133

around it. However, neither he nor Dr. Hal-
ley left any opening by which the internal
regions could be explored; their existence
was therefore left to rest on vague hypo-
thesis.*

These different theories, however extrava-
gant they may appear to us, were believed
and supported by those men, whom we must
acknowledge were among the most learned
of the age in which they lived ; and among
the mathematicians in Europe they have yet
some warm supporters. Why not then give
Symmes's theory of open poles, and concentric
spheres, a serious investigation, the correct-
ness of which is so much more probable, and
the demonstration of its truth or falsehood so
much more practicable? At all events a
voyage to the polar regions, with an eye to the
accomplishment of Symmes's purpose, might
be productive of incalculable advantages to
the cause of science in general. With re-
spect to astronomy and geography, it would
afford many new lights, and perhaps discover

*Maclaurin, in his fouiteenth chapter of the second
volume on Fluxions, investigates the theory of Dr. Halley
at considerable length; and in conclusion, appears to con-
sider the existence of a hollow globe as very possible.

M

134 THE THEORY

and establish many new principles, not

thought of at this day.

" Knowledge is power,^'' and so far as an
individual acquires a knowledge of literature
and science, above his cotemporaries, so far
does he possess a power and influence over
those among whom he resides. So does a
nation, when she becomes characterized for
the acquisition of knowledge in the sciences
and the arts. Those nations which have
made great and important advances in the
improvement of science, or in new discover-
ies, have acquired a pre-eminence of char-
acter and standing, among other nations of
the world.

The United States of America, having as-
sumed a respectable station among the na-
tions, is fast advancing in wealth and power.
Her territories are stretched over a vast ex-
tent of country ; and her population is in-
creasing with a rapidity unprecedented. We
are already looked up to, by other nations,
as a people of very considerable importance;
and as having made a successful experiment
in politics and government, which politicians
had before considered impracticable. Ought
we not then, as a nation, (paying some at-
tention to the progress of science and knowl-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 135

edge,) to hold oat inducements for the pro-
gressive improvements, and useful discoveries
of our own citizens?

While the English, the Russians, and the
French, are making great exertions for the
purpose of discovery, and the advancement
of science; will America remain idle and
inactive? Will she adopt the unwise policy
that individual enterprise ought to be let
alone? Other nations act differently; and
they have long been directing their researches
towards the acquisition of a more perfect
knowledge of our globe: and such exertions
have always been considered as the most
glorious actions on record in the annals of
their history. By so doing, they have not
only baen amply rewarded themselves, but
have benefited the world at large, by the
acquisition of important information respect-
ing the before unknown parts of it, and by
the improvement of science. Will America
tiien sit by inactive and contented, while she
is surrounded with plenty, and enjoying a
situation most enviable in the career of
nations? Let us rather encourage than
shackle the genius and enterprising spirit of
our own citizens; and not act like an avari-
cious miser, who directs all his thoughts to

J 36 THE THEORY

the calculation of dollars and cents. Had
this " let alone policy," been pursued by the
nations that have sent out ships of discovery,
what would have been the situation of the
world at the present day? Bounds would
have been set to the great field of philosophy,
and the arts and sciences must have flourish-
ed only within a circumscribed sphere. In
vain might the revolving planets have forced
upon the minds of mankind their beautiful
order, motions and attractions; — the exten-
sive continent of America, must yet have re-
mained a gloomy wilderness; and the wild
flowers have bloomed upon her fertile plains,
only to be crushed by the foot of the unlet-
tered savage.

If we take a retrospective view of the
world, for some centuries back, we shall find
the knowledge of the most scientific nations,
bounded by a circumference of two or three
thousand miles. At length a few enter-
prising individuals, aided by their govern-
ments, made extensive discoveries: — A Co-
lumbus discovered tlie vast continent of
America; and subsequent navigatorsdiscover-
ed the extensive countries of New-Holland,
New-Zealand, and numerous islands in the
Pacific ocean and South sea. All of these

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 137

now disclose to us, that what was formerly
believed to constitute the whole habitable
world, is but a spot, one little corner, in the
parts known at this day. Even yet, a vast
portion of our globe remains unexplored.
Why then should we contribute nothing to-
wards the attainment of the grand pursuit
of nations? We, who are destined, I hope,
one day to stand as the first nation under
the sun — Why should we fold our arms
and sit inactive, while that little spot Great
Britain, is making such efforts to explore
those regions?

It would not be an unwise policy, for the
American government to foster and encour-
age such noble workings of genius. It can
in no way be inconsistent with the present
policy of our government, that an expedition
should be fitted out to explore the polar re-
gions ; but, on the contrary, it would bespeak
a spirit of liberality, and a desire to promote
scientific enterprize. It is neither against
the constitution nor laws of our country; we
are now at peace with the world ; taxes are
coit'paratively trifling; the situation of our
country at present affords a most favourable
opportunity for the accomplishment of the
undertaking. It is one of such importance
m2

138 THE THEORY

too, as will justify tlie use of money and men ;
while the honour of the discovery of a New
World would be its reward.

1 apprehend that we only lack confidence
in our own abilities, to perfect and explain
many things not dreamed of by the ancient
philosophers. We are inclined rather to un-
dervalue our own efforts; and, like our former
opinions on manufacturing subjects, think we
can never appear to advantage, unless dress-
ed in a coat of foreign manufacture. It ap-
pears to savour of the doctrine, that no new
opinion or proposition can merit attention,
or be adopted, unless it come from a Euro-
pean source. Had the proposition of con-
centric spheres, or a hollow globe, been
made by an English or French philosopher,
instead of a native of the United States, 1
very much question, whether so large a share
of ridicule would have been attached to its
author and adherents.

It may be replied, that the idea of a
world within a world, is absurd. But, who
can assert with confidence, that this idea
is, in reality, nothing more than the imagina-
tion of a feverish brain? How is it shown
that such a form does not exist? Are there
not as strong reasons for believing that the

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES 139

earth is constituted of concentric spheres,
as the court of Spain, or any man in Europe,
had to believe that there was an undiscov-
ered continent 'r? Has not Captain Sy mines
theoretically proven his assertions of con-
centric spheres and open poles, and embodied
a catalogue of facts, numerous and plausi-
ble, ill support of his opinions? And who
has confuted his assertions? I dare to say,
that none can be found, who can fully dis-
prove them, and account for the facts which
he adduces as the proofs of his theory. Is
there not the same reason to believe, that
the earth is hollow, as there is to place im-
plicit confidence in the opinion, that the
planets are inhabited? And yet the one has
been ridiculed as the wild speculations of
a madman, while the other receives credit
among the most enlightened.

If it can be shown that Symmes's Theory
is probable, or has the least plausibility at-
tached to it, — nay, that it is even possible, —
why not afford him the means of testing its
correctness? The bare possibility of such
a discovery, ought to be a sufficient stimulus
to call forth the patronage of any govern-
ment. And should the theory prove correct,
and the adventure succeed, would it not ini-

] 40 THE THEORY

mortalize our nation? The fame of Symmes,
and his native country, would only expire
with time! But, even should the expedition
fail in the main object, there would still be
neither loss nor disgrace. If the interior
world have no existence but in Captain
Symmes's imagination, would it be a matter
worthy of no consideration to explore the
northern parts of our own hemisphere? In
the attempt, we might discover something
of great importance — in chasing a phantom,
we might hit on a reality — in searching for
the " unknowable," discover what has hith-
erto been unknown ; some new islands ; some
undiscovered sea ; some north-west by west
passage, or inlet ; some new phenomenon of
nature ; some hitherto unknown inhabitants
of the polar regions; nay, even the pole it-
self. And would it be a matter of no con-
sequence, that a citizen of our own country
should first stand on the axis, and plant the
stars and stripes of our own country beneath
the polar star? And should this be effected,
will not the glory and honour our nation
would acquire thereby, be worth the expen-
diture? No one, I hope, will say that it
would not be worth it all, ten times told.
But in case this should fail, would it be a

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 14I

matter of no consequence, to explore the
northern parts of our own continent, and fill
up the blank on the map of the northern
hemisphere? This, in my humble opinion,
is far from being impracticable. A steam
vessel might run from the mouth of the Ore-
gon river, and proceed along the north-west
coast of America through Behring's Straits,
round to the Atlantic; or, if impeded by ice,
a party might pursue their journey on foot,
with sledges, on the ice, and along the coast
quite round to Hudson's Bay. The accom-
plishment of this, I deem no chimera. The
writer of this, for one, (and he has no doubt
Captain Symmes, and a sufficient number of
others) would volunteer to accomplish the
enterprise. And should such an expedition
be authorized and fitted out by the govern-
ment, rest assured, if they did not penetrate
the interior of our sphere, or plant the Amer-
ican standard beneath the great Northern
Bear, they would at least furnish a correct
map of the coast of America, from the mouth
of Oregon round to fort Churchill ; — or make
the snows of the north their winding sheets.
Within a few years, several expeditions
have been fitted out for the purpose of dis-
covery, by different nations in Europe, and

142 THE THEORY

particularly by the English. Ross, and Parry
have visited the arctic regions; and Parry
now is out on his third voyage, as though
there were some hidden mystery there,
which the English government is anxious to
develope. It is not likely that they would
have fitted out, and dispatched four succes-
sive expeditions, merely to view Ice-bergs
and Esquimaux Indians. As for the disco-
very of a north-west passage to the East
Indies, it cannot be their sole object, as the
continent of America has been explored by
land to seventy-two degrees of north latitude ;
and, according to the old theory, beyond that
latitude the seas are so incumbered with ice
as to render their navigation extremely diffi-
cult, if not impracticable; from which, I am
induced to believe, that they have discovered
something in those regions which indicates a
state of things different from that heretofore
believed to exist.

Under the protection of the Russian gov-
ernment, Kotzebue, and Baron Wrangle,
have been engaged in similar enterprizes,
and Jthough these different attempts have
affctided considerable light on the subject,
yet they are rather calculated to awaken
than satisfy curiosity. Many of the facts,

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 143

however, which are urged as proof of the
theory of concentric spheres, have been con-
firmed or corroborated by the personal
observations of those skilful navigators. But
so long as tliey lack confidence in the theory,
it can scarcely be expected they will make
the discovery; the winding meridians which
they will pursue, when intending to proceed
straight forward, will keep them bewildered
among the ice, along the circle of the verge,
or finally bring them out towards the exterior
surface of the sphere, no wiser than when
they set out.

As yet, we are more indebted to other
nations, than our own, for a knowledge of the
continent of America. A knowledge of the
north-west coast is interesting to the civilized
world at large ; but to none more so, than
the United States; and 1 humbly think, that
the honor and interest of this confederated
Republic, are more deeply involved in this
subject of making discoveries in the northern
seas, than any other nation's can be.

Should a voyage of discovery be underta-
ken by our government, it is hoped that the
northern coast of the continent of America
will, at least, be examined. The undertaking
would not only redound to the fame of our

144 THE THEORY

country, and to that of the individual en-
trusted with the enterprise, but must be
productive of immense advantage to our
commerce and national prosperity ; and carry
our " star spangled banner" among a people
with whom the civilized world, as yet, have
bad no intercourse.

The prosecution of such an enterprise
would be attended with no very considerable
demands on the treasury; the employment of
one or two of our ships of war, now in com-
mission, for the object, would cause little
additional expense. But, even admitting
that a few thousands, or even hundreds of
thousands, would be necessary; of what im-
portance is it, when weighed against the
magnitude of the object to be accomplished?
Could our public vessels be better employed,
than in surveying our north-west coast, and in
discovery? Our naval officers would rejoice
on seeing opened to their view a new path
to fame, independent of the acquisition to
their nautical experience. Many of our
brave and skilful navigators would be proud
of an appointment in such an enterprise;
many naturalists and men of science, would
cheerfully, at their own expense, if necessary,
accompany such an expedition. And aU

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 145

though we may not expect such an enterprise
to be accomplished to the full extent of Cap-
tain Symmes's anticipations, and those who
believe in his doctrines; yet, as Americans,
we cannot but wish that the theory, which
has been first advanced by a fellow-citizen,
should be countenanced by our own govern-
ment, and tested by the citizens of our own
country.

N

J 46 THE THEORY

CHAPTER IX.

A few brief suggestions, relative to the description, tonnage,
and number of vessels, necessary to be equipped for a voy-
age of discovery to the interior regions of the earth; tht
number of men necessary to be employed on board, arti-
cles necessary for the outfit, and the probable expense
attending the same; also, as to the route most proper to be
pursued to accomplish the object of the expedition.

CAPTAIN SYMMES,in his first circular,
published at St. Louis, on the 10th day of
April, 1818, asks an outfit of one hundred
brave companions, well equipped, to set out
from Siberia in autumn, with rein-deer and
sleighs, to pass over the ice of the frozen sea.
On being furnished with an outfit of this de-
scription, he engages to explore the concave
regions, and discover a warm, or at least a
temperate country, of fertile soil, well stock-
ed with animals and vegetables, if not men,
on reaching about sixty-nine miles beyond
latitude eighty-two degrees. The route, in-
tended to be pursued by Captain Symmes,
appears to be that of the rein-deer, and
the time of setting out, the same season of the
year, in which (according to Professor Ad-
ams) the rein-deer migrate from that coast

OF CONCENT'RIC SPHERES. 147

fiorth. In this route it would be necessary
to cross the verge, or region of most intense
cold, with the greatest possible expedition,
so as to reach an inner temperate climate,
in the shortest time. The concave regions
could be partially explored during the win-
ter; and the party return in the spring, and
at the same time of the rein-deer, to the
mouth of the river Lena.

The Russians have been making consider-
able exertions to explore the northern re-
gions. Baron Wrangle made an attempt of
this kind, in the year 1821. And a second
attempt was made in the year 1822, by trav-
elling with sledges, drawn by dogs.* But,

From a London paper, under the head of
* " Russian Discoveries. — In the year 1820, a journey
of discovery, by land, was ordered by the government,
to explore the extreme north and north-east of Asia. —
Lieutenants Wrangle and Anjou, of the navy, were chosen .
for this expedition. After having made the necessary
preparations, they departed from Neukolyma, in the
north-eastern part of Siberia, on the 19th of Feb. 1821,
in sledges drawn by dogs, when the cold was thirty-two
degrees Reaumur, in order to ascertain the position of
Schehaladshoi-Noss, which captain Burney conjectured
might be an isthmus, joining Asia with the continent of
America. The travellers succeeded in determining the
whole coast astronomically, going themselves entirely

148 THE THEORY

probably owing to the party not having faith
in the winding meridians about the verge of
the polar opening, or being unacquainted
wiih their direction according to the theory
of concentric spheres, they were bewildered,
and kept travelling in the neighbourhood of
the verge, the region of greatest cold, instead
of proceeding in a direct course towards the
pole, until they were finally obliged to return
without accomplishing the object of the ex-
pedition.

round the coast, and proceeding a day's journey farther to
the west; thus convincing themselves that Asia and
America are not united there by an isthmus. On the 13th
of March, the expedition returned to Neukolyroa. On
the 22d of March, Mr. Wrangle undertook another jour-
ney, likewise on sledges drawn by dogs, with ten com-
panions, in the direction to the North Pole, in order to
look for the great continent which is supposed to exist
there. The principal obstacle they met with, was thin
ice, which being broken to pieces by continued storms,
' vvas piled up in mountains, and rendered farther progress
impossible. At a bear hunt, which the company under-
took, they observed a sudden bursting of the ice, accom-
panied srith a dreadful noise resembling thunder. On
their journey back, which the travellers were obliged to
make without accomplishing their object, they surveyed
the bear islands, and after an absence of thirty-eight days,
arrived safely at Neukolyma on the 28th April, where
they are to remain for the year 1822, and then to coiv
tinue their researches."

OF.CONCENTRIC SPHERES 149

At the present time (August, 1824) an ex-
pedition is fitting out in Russia at great
expense, under tlie auspices of that distin-
guished patj-on of science, CCunt Romanzoff,
for the purpose of making discoveries in the
northern regions, with the intention of ex-
ploring over land, or on the ice, as far as it
may be found practicable. The celebrated
Admiral Kruzenstern, is to exercise a gener-
al superintendance over the expedition, while
the immediate command is to be conferred
on some distinguished Russian officer.

The continent of North America, would,
in my opinion, be a more suitable place, for
an exploring party to set out from, than the
coast of Siberia. A company of men, well
armed, could travel over land, and draw their
provisions and baggage on hand sledges, on
the snow or ice, as Hearne did during his jour-
ney, with light canoes for the purpose of cross-
ing rivers and lakes, should such be found to
obstruct their progress. In this manner, the
party would soon cross the verge, or "barren
grounds," as Hearne calls it, and arrive in
that country of abundant game, of which the
Indians informed him. Hearne, according
to his journal, reached nearly the seventy-
second degree of nor*i latitude, and his gen-
n2

150 THE THEORY \

eral course is laid clown as being north-west-
wardly, from Fort Churchill to the mouth of
Copper-Mine river, which he says disem-
bogues itself into the Northern sea, flowing
in a northerly direction. Me-lo-no-bee, the
Indian chief, who served as Hearne's guide
from Hudson's Bay, pointed out the mouth
of Copper-Mine river, as being in a north-
eastwardly direction from Fort Churchill,
and flowing in an eastwardly course. Sub-
sequent discoveries have, I believe, deter-
mined Me-lo-no-bee to be correct in this par-
ticular, as that river has been ascertained
to empty into the waters of the Atlantic
north of Repulse Bay, several hundred miles
distant from where Hearne lays it down on
his map. It is so laid down in the map ac-
companying Koss' voyage of discovery.
How Hearne could be so much mistaken in
the course he travelled, as to lay it down
at nearly a right angle from its true course,
is rather unaccountable: he must have been
deceived by the winding meridians of the
verge, which turned him to the right; when
to have passed directly into the concave,
he ought, on arriving at a certain point, to
liave proceeded west of north, then west,
and finally south-west, which would proba-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 151

bly have conducted him to that country^,
which the Indian represented as being far
to the west, or south-west, and so warm that
there was never any frost. In this direction,
an exploring party ought most probably to
travel, first north until they come to the
verge; where (if they are on the continent
of America) the meridians begin to wind to
the right, then gradually, as they advanced,
incline to the west, then true west, then
south of west, and finally, when entirely be-
yond the apparant verge, to the south-west,
if not due south. In crossing the verge, the
cold would no doubt be considerable: but
cold in those regions, as measured by the
thermometer, appears to us much greater
than the feelings of those exposed to that
temperature indicate. Hence it was, no
doubt, that Parry's crew could hunt in win-
ter, when the medium was below zero. And
the Russians set out on their expedition over
the ice in 1821, when the cold was thirty-two
degrees Reaumur; and this too accounts for
Hearne's sleeping in the snow, without fire,
by only digging a hole, and lying therein,
with his sledge turned up to windward, it
does not appear that he complained of ex-
cessive cold; though he travelled nearly all

152 THE THEORY

winter. He had also several Indian women
in company. The regions through which he
passed, as well as that in which Ross and
Parry were, are alleged to be the coldest of
the earth ; and that those men experienced
as great a degree of cold as would be in
passing the verge into the concave regions.

But 1 am of opinion that the most practica-
ble, the most expeditious, and the best mode
of exploring the interior regions would be by
sea, and by way of the south polar opening,
crossing the verge at the low side, in the
Indian ocean, where it is presumed the sea
is ahvays open, and nearly free from ice.
But, as we are residents of the northern hem-
isphere, the nearness of the north polar
opening to us, and the more immediate ad-
vantages which would result to us from an
intercourse with the countries within the con-
cave to the north, would seem to point out
that as the most proper direction to be pur-
sued ; though the difficulties to be encountered
in passing the verge of the nprth polar open-
ing, would doubtless be much greater than
those of the south, the cold much severer,
and the ice more compact and difficult to pass.
However, notwithstanding all these diffi-
culties, the object, I think, might be safely

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 153

accomplished by sailing, either east of Spitz*
bergen, or between Spitzbergen and Green*
land; where, writers, in whom confidence
may be placed, inform us, that the sea is
open all winter. The greatest difficulty to
be apprehended, would be the accumtilatipn
of drifting ice in the summer season; but in
the winter, that difficulty, perhaps, would not
be presented as in the fall or commencement
of winter, the ice would attach itself to one
shore or the other, and become permanent.

The Russians who wintered on Spitzber-
gen, say that the sea was open during the
whole winter, quite across the north end of
the island. Several sailors who were once
left on an island near Spit/bergen, lived there
several years; though destitute of almost
every necessary of life, they were not only
able to support the cold of the winters, but
even to supply themselves with provisions,
and light, in those dreary regions. They
finally returned in health and safety to their
native country and friends. This island is
probably as cold as any spot that is known
to our sphere.

A vessel, almost at any time in summer,
could sail to, and remain at Spitzbergen,
(having the necessary conveniences on board

154 THE THEORY

to make the crew comfortable) for two or
three years. They could lie all winter at
the north part of the island, and after being
there long enough to become acquainted with
the nature and changes in the sea to the
north of them, they could take some favora-
ble opportunity, and reach the pole, (if the
earth be a globe) or the interior concave
regions. The distance from the north of
Spitzbergen to the pole is only six hundred
geographical miles.

Another favorable direction for making
the discovery is, by Bhering's straits on the
north-west coast of America: And an addi-
tional advantage which is presented by this
direction, is, that if the vessels should be
obstructed by, or frozen in the ice, the party
could proceed by land on the shore of Ameri-
ca, (which is supposed to communicate with
the concave regions,) a party remaining with
the vessels till the others returned.

In case an expedition of discovery should
be fitted out for the purpose of making the
attempt, by either route, the safety of the
party would require that two vessels should
be equipped with rather more than an ordi-
nary number of men, and with a double num-
ber of boats at least; some so light and por-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 355

table as to be easily carried by men over ice,
or necks of land, should it become necessary.
Vessels propelled by steam would be pre-
ferable to any other, as they could more
easily avoid the floating ice in passing the
verge; as, also ascend rapid rivers in the
interiorj should such be discovered, and it be
found necessary to ascend them. The ves-
sels should be equipped with masts, sails, and
every part of rigging necessary for sailing ;
with a ballast of coal, which should not be
used, or any other fuel for steam purposes,
until they come within the neighbourhood of
the ice, through which, by pursuing a proper
course, it is believed, they would in a few
days pass, and arrive at a more temperate
climate, and a country where they would be
abundantly supplied with both wood and pro-
visions. Perhaps it would be advisable to
take on board a small boat, with a propor-
tionate steam-engine, for the purpose of run-
ning up shallow rivers, or along coasts, to
make more minute observations.

But the most important matter of all to be
observed, and that on which the success of
the expedition must depend, would be a pro-
per observance of the principles of the theory,
and a due attention to the winding meridians,

156 THE THEORY

and curvatures of the parallels of latitude,
when the verge shall be crossed; and which
will require the party to he continually va-
rying their course as they proceed forward
in accordance with the place at which the
attempt ^hall be made.

The expense of an expedition of this kind,
would not be very great; at least not consi-
derable when compared with the magnitude
of the object to be accomplished, though I
liave not made, nor do I consider myself ade-
quate to make minute estimates on the sub-
ject. But 1 should conclude that a sum of
one or two hundred thousand dollars would
be amply sufficient to defray all expenses
attending such an expedition. Should an
attempt be made by way of the south polar
opening, with vessels fitted out as for a wha-
ling voyage, the expense would probably not
be the one fifth part of that sum. And were
an expedition undertaken over land, from
some post high north on the continent of
America, the expense must be still less,

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 157

CHAPTER X.

A short Biographical sketch of Captain Symmes; with some
observations on the treatment which he has met with in
the advancement of his Theory.

JOHN CLEVES SYMMES, the author of
the Theory of Concentric Spheres, is the son
of Timothy Symmes, of the state of New-
Jersey, whose father's name was also Timo-
thy, and who was the son of the Rev. Thomas
Symmes, of Bradford, who graduated at Har-
vard college, in 1698. Mr. Elliot, publisher
of the New-England Biographical Dictiona-
ry, at Boston, in the year 1809, makes hon-
ourable mention of his name. Timothy
Symmes, the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, had but two sons; the one, John
Cleves Symmes, well known as the father
and founder of the first settlements in the
Miami country; and the other, Timothy, the
father of our Theorist, and from whom the
present family of Symmes, in the Miami
country, are descended.

Captain Symmes is now about forty-six

years of age. He is of middle stature, and

tolerably proportioned; with scarcely any

thing in his exterior to cbaraeterize the se-

O

15S THE THEORY

cret operations of his mind, except an ab-
straction, which, from attentive inspection,
is found seated on a slightly contracted brow ;
and the glances of a bright blue eye, that
often seems fixed on something beyond im-
mediate surrounding objects. His head is
round, and his face rather small and oval.
His voice is somewhat nasal, and he speaks
hesitatingly and with apparent labour. His
manners are plain, and remarkable for native
simplicity. He is a native of the state of
New-Jersey. During the early part of his
life, he received, what was then considered,
a common English education, which in after
life he improved by having access to toler-
ably well selectedlibraries; and being endued,
by nature, with an insatiable desire for knowl-
edge of all kinds, he thus had, during the
greater part of his life, ample opportunities
to indulge it.

In the year J 802, and at the age of about
twenty-two years, Mr. Symmes entered the
army of the United States, in the office of
ensign ; from which he afterwards rose to that
of captain. He continued in service until after
the close of the late war with Great-Britain.
While attached to the army he was universal-
ly esteemed a brave soldier, and a zealous

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 159

and faithful officer. He was in the memora-
ble battle of Bridgewater; and was senior
Captain in the regiment to which he belonged.
The company under his immediate command,
that day, discharged seventy rounds of cat-
ridges, and repelled three desperate charges
of the bayonet.

Afterwards, in the sortie from Fort Erie,
Captain Symmes, with his command, captured
the enemy's battery number two; and with
his own hand spiked the cannon it contained:
yet, owing to the want of correct information,
or from some other cause, the honour and
the reward of this achievement, were
alike bestowed upon others. And, it is a
fact not less to be regretted, that the official
report of the battle of Sridgewater, has rep-
resented the regiment, to which Captain
Symmes was attached, as almost the only
one that retreated at Lunday's lane; when,
in truth, it was nearly the only one which
uniformly maintained the positions it was or-
dered to maintain, throughout the action.
Captain Symmes, has since, however, sub-
stantiated the correctness of its conduct, by
obtaining the necessary acknowledgments;
some of the particulars of which were com-
municated to the Historical Society of New-

160 THE THEORY

York, and published, in the newspapers of
the day. The truth of this statement, has
also been confirmed to me, by a respectable
Officer, who was in the action, and witnessed
the occurrence.

During the period of about three years,
immediately after the close of the war, and
after Captain Symmes had left the* army, he
was engaged in the difficult and laborious
task of furnishing supplies to the troops sta-
tioned on the upper Mississippi. How he suc-
ceeded in this business 1 am not informed ; but,
I conclude from his present circumstances, that
he could not have realized any very consid-
erable pecuniary advantage from the enter-
prise. Since that time he has resided at
Newport, Kentucky ; devoting, almost exclu-
sively, the whole of his time and attention to
the investigation and perfection of his fa-
vourite Theory of Concentric Spheres.

In a short circular, dated at St. Louis, in
1B18, Captain Symmes first promulgated the
fundamental principles of his theory to the
world. He addressed a copy to every learn-
ed institution, and to every considerable town
and vMlage, as well as distinguished individ-
uals, of which he could gain any intelligence,
throughout the United States, and to several
learned societies in Europe.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 161

The reception this circular met with, was
that of ridicule; it being looked upon as the
production of a distempered imagination, or
the ravings of partial insanity. Indeed, it be-
came a fruitful source of jest and levity, to
publishers of the public prints of the day
generally, all over the Union. The Academy
of Sciences in Paris, before which it was laid
by Count Volney, decided that it was un-
worthy of their consideration; and the edi-
tor of the London Morning Chronicle, could
not be induced to credit the statements of
respectable men, who declared that Symmes
was not a madman. But in this, his fate is
not peculiar. The experience of the world
has taught us,, that the authors of new doc-
trines, have mostly shared a similar lot.
An excellent cotemporary writer has remark-
ed, that, "the fate of many projectors have
been so melancholy, that it requires, at this
day, the daring spirit, and the enthusiasm
which are naturally allied to genius, in any
man to announce himself as the inventor of
any thing new and extraordinary. The pa-
tience and perseverance of a Gallileo, and
the adventurous spirit of a Fulton, are neces-
sary to him who would benefit his species
by the results of original plans and forms,
o2

102 THE THEORY

or that of new combinations of old and tried
ones. Hence we cannot b'ut respect and ad-
mire the man, who, regardless of the hard
fate of so many who have trod before him,
in the thorny path of improvement, still has
the fortitude and philosophy of mind to spend
years in toil and study — to labour by day
with persevering industry — and trim the
midnight lamp with the vigilance ascribed
to the ancient vestals, in bringing to perfec-
tion an idea, from which he hopes to reap
fame and benefit to himself, and to reflect
credit, at the same time, on the genius of his
country."

Captain Symmes published two other num-
bers at St. Louis, in the year .1818; the one
went to prove, by geometrical principles,
that matter must necessarily form itself into
concentric spheres, and the other treated of
geological principles. His two next num-
bers, marked four and five, (the one treating
of the original formation of the Allegheny
mountains, and the other claiming the dis-
covery of open poles,) I have never had an
opportunity of seeing. His sixth number ap-
peared, dated at Cincinnati, in January, 1819,
which contains a number of items aad prin-
ciples that he proposes treating of in sub-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 163

sequent numbers. His seventh number, en-
titled ''Arctic Memoir^'' is dated at Cincin-
nati, in February, 1819; and another number,
entitled " Light between the Spheres,'''' dated
at Cincinnati, in August, 1819, was published
in the National Intelligencer. From ihat
time to the present, numerous pieces from the
pen of Captain Symmes have appeared in
different newspapers; but the most promi-
nent and grand doctrines, on which his theo-
ry is based, are contained in the papers
above enumerated. Independent of his writ-
ten publications, he has delivered a number
of lectures on the theory, — first at Cincinnati,
in 1820, and afterwards at Lexington and
Frankfort, in Kentucky, and at Hamilton and
Zanesville, in the state of Ohio. Several of
these lectures I had the pleasure of hearing;
and the respectable number of auditors,^ and
the profound stillness that reigned, evinced
in the strongest manner the interest felt
by all present in the subject. In addi-
tion to the various facts and phenomena, to
which he adverts in support of his positions,
he delineates in his lectures, upon a wooden
sphere, constructed on the principles of his
theory, the cause of the winding meridians,
the icy hoop or verge, and the course which

164 THE THEORY

ought to be pursued to reach the interior re-
gions, with the confidence of mathematical
certaint}^

Captain Symmes's want of a classical edu-
cation, and philosophic attainments, perhaps,
unfits him for the office of a lecturer. But,
his arguments being presented in confused
array, and clothed in homely phraseology,
can furnish no objection to the soundness of
his doctrines. The imperfection of his style,
and the inelegance of his manner, may be
deplored; but, certainly, constitute no proof
of the inadequacy of his reasoning, or the ab-
surdity of his deductions. There is scarcely
a single individual, with whom I have con-
versed, who does not confess that, if the facts
which he adduces, and the arguments he uses,
were handled by an able orator, they would
produce a powerful effect. In short, those
who attend to his lectures, without regarding
his peculiarities of style and manner; who
reflect alone on their substantial parts, with-
out regarding the want of eloquence in the
lecturer; who presume to think for them-
selves, and are able to comprehend the naked
facts, and unadorned arguments, which he
advances, will not fail to discover in them
many particulars well worthy of their con-

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 165

sideration; and many arguments calculated
to stagger their faith in pre-conceived opin-
ions.

In the year 1822, Captain Symmes peti-
tioned the Congress of the United States,
setting forth, in the first place, his belief of
the existence of a habitable and accessible
concave to this globe ; his desire to embark
on a voyage of discovery to one or other of
the polar regions; his belief in the great
profit and honour his country would derive
from such discovery; — and prayed that Con-
gress would equip and fit out for the expedi-
tion, two vessels of two hundred and fifty, or
three hundred, tons burthen; and grant such
other aid as government might deem neces-
sary to promote the object. This petition
was presented in the Senate by Col. Richard
M. Johnston, a member from Kentucky, on
the 7th day of March, 1822; when, (a motion
to refer it to the committee of Foreign Rela-
tions having failed,) after a few remarks it
was laid on the table. — Jlyes^ 25.

In December, 1823, he forwarded similar
petitions to both houses of Congress, which
met with a similar fate.

In January, 1824, he petitioned the Gene-
ral Assembly of the stale of Ohio, praying

166 THE THEORY

that body to pass a resolution approbatory
of his theory; and to recommend him to Con-
gress for an outfit suitable to the enterprise.
This memorial was presented by Micajah T.
Williams ; and, on motion, the further conside-
ration thereof was indefinitely postponed *

That Captain Symmes is a highminded,
honorable man, is attested by all wiio know
him. He has devised a theory whereby to
account for various singular and interesting
phenomena; and more satisfactorily to ex-
plain a great variety of acknowledged facts.

He argues from the effect to the cause, in
many of his positions, with great perspicuity.
And the circumstance that few of the learned
have yet attempted to show that his princi-
ples are founded in absurdity^ should at least
entitle him to the respect, and his theory to
the attention, of every candid man. Notwith-
standing he has been buffetted by the ridicule
and sarcasm of an opposing world for seven
years, undergreatpecuniary embarrassments ;
he still labours with unshaken faith, and un-
broken perseverance; with a willingness at
any time to test the truth of his speculations
amid the icy mountains of the polar seas.

* Journal of the House of Representatives of Ohio;
session of 1823, "24— p. 224.

OF CONCENTRIC SPHERES. 167

Already has he passed the meridian of
life J and should he be called from lime, with-
out establishing his theory by actual dis-
covery; the science he has embodied, and
the facts he has collected and arranged in
support of it, together with his undeviating
and indefatigable industry, in the face of
« The world's dread laugh, which scarce
The firm philosopher can scorn,"
will bear a testimonial to his talents and
worth, that the best of his species will ever
delight to acknowledge. And though he may
not have accounted* for every particular, or
brought forward every argument that might
possibly be advanced in support of his posi-
tions; he has, nevertheless, collected a
greater number of peculiarly interesting facts,
and embodied a stronger phalanx of proof,
than could well have been expected on a
subject so new, and in the hands of the ori-
ginal discoverer.

If, hereafter, it should be ascertained that
Symraes's Theory of the Earth is true, im-
partial posterity will not withhold the honour
and fame due to the name of the discoverer.
It is hoped, however, that the present age
will not so far forfeit to posterity the high char-
acter it now sustains in scientific discovery.

168 THE THEORY

as to remain deaf to his solicitations; but,
that the citizens of our own country in par-
ticular, if not the whole world, will unite in
testing the truth of his principles; and in
doing justice to the merits of this extraordi-
nary man.

FINIS.

^P//?'^